LeSoCo was established in 2012, bringing together Lewisham College and Southwark College. This £40+ million 14,100sq.m project in collaboration with Richard Hopkinson Architects is currently on site and includes a major new college building, refurbished existing buildings and new housing. The first phase remodels a series of outdated buildings facing The Cut. A new entrance establishes a clear and contemporary presence for the college, and leads to a former courtyard – now covered to contain a spacious arrival area, café and flexible open leaning spaces. Refurbished existing spaces will provide high quality teaching rooms and improved circulation routes. The second phase features a new six-storey building, which will contain a series of high quality education and training spaces focusing on the media and creative industries. This building connects to the existing buildings – currently being refurbished and remodeled as the first phase of the project. The completed scheme will feature a new central atrium at the heart of the campus - a transparent core containing a new reception area, café and flexible open learning space. A new approach to teaching and learning is embodied in the layout. Large terraces provide recreational and relaxation spaces for staff and students and training opportunities.