This £4m project represents a major investment by the Carpenters’ Company. The College is currently located in Great Titchfield Street, north of Oxford Street, but is taking the opportunity to move to greatly expanded purpose-built premises in Stratford. The new building is comprised of two elements – a large carpentry and stonemasonry training workshop accommodating potentially noisy and dusty activities and an administrative and classroom block containing a variety of smaller spaces for quiet uses including a residential apartment for the college administrator. Completion is planned for 1st August 2001.

Stephen Timms said ‘I recognise the long-standing involvement of the Carpenters’ Company in the local community in Stratford, and the significant contribution to regeneration that this new College represents.’

College Director, John Taylor, himself no stranger to regeneration schemes, through his experience as Chief Executive of the British Urban Regeneration Association, commented ‘This initiative not only improves the physical environment, and provides a boost to the local economy, but will also enable many disadvantaged members of the local community to gain the skills and confidence necessary for employment in regeneration projects in East London.’

Building crafts courses are offered in fine woodwork, shopfitting, bench joinery, stonemasonry and architectural stone carving and are particularly suited to those who wish to progress to advanced crafts levels of skills for employment in specialist sections of the construction industry.