On Friday, Whitfield & Brown was proud to attend the official opening of the new Green Skills Centre at Riverside College’s Kingsway Campus in Widnes – a flagship development that will play a vital role in shaping the future skills landscape of the Liverpool City Region.
The opening marked a major milestone for the College, its learners and the wider region, bringing together partners, stakeholders and civic leaders to celebrate a shared commitment to education, sustainability and opportunity.
The centre was officially opened by Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, who spoke about the importance of investing in skills that support economic growth and the transition to a greener economy.
“We don’t have enough people with the right skills in the right sectors to do all of the things we want to do. As we expand and grow, we will need even more – that’s why what Riverside College is building here is part of a wider network to develop a world‑class workforce across the region.”
A Space Designed for the Future
The new Green Skills Centre provides modern, high‑quality teaching and workshop spaces that enable hands‑on learning in key low‑carbon and engineering technologies. These include training in areas such as solar power and battery storage, EV charging infrastructure and air source heat pumps – skills that are increasingly critical to regional and national priorities.
Training delivered at the centre is aligned with the Local Skills Improvement Plan and the UK’s wider industrial ambitions, ensuring learners are equipped with the knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in emerging and evolving sectors.
Supporting Riverside College’s Vision
The opening of the centre forms part of Riverside College’s strategic programme of investment to expand curriculum provision and enhance the quality of its estate. The facility supports the growth of the College’s Engineering and T‑Levels offer, providing an environment that reflects real‑world industry standards and expectations.
For students and staff, the opening represents more than a new building – it signals long‑term confidence in education, skills development and progression opportunities within the region.
Whitfield & Brown’s Role
Whitfield & Brown was delighted to deliver the project on behalf of Riverside College, working closely with the College and the wider project team to bring this vision to life.
While the works were delivered within a fully operational further‑education campus, careful planning and collaboration ensured the College remained fully open throughout, allowing the focus to remain firmly on learners and staff as the new facility took shape.
Reaching this celebratory opening moment reflects the commitment of all involved to partnership working, quality delivery and shared outcomes.
A Proud Moment
Attending the opening on Friday was an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved and more importantly, what the new Green Skills Centre will enable in the years ahead.
Whitfield & Brown is proud to have played a part in delivering a facility that will support skills, sustainability and opportunity across the North West, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it has on learners, employers and the wider community.