Introduction
A new development for St Albans and improvements to Oaklands College
Oaklands College and Taylor Wimpey have partnered to bring forward the College’s proposals to redevelop their St Albans campus. This is being secured through Taylor Wimpey’s plans for new homes and a mixed-use development on previous College land.
These plans align with St Albans District Council’s draft local plan and seeks to deliver the objectives set out in the draft Local Plan (including Site Allocation B4) and the Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan.
The College’s proposals will see the replacement of outdated facilities with sustainable, state-of-the-art buildings that will enhance learning opportunities and benefit the entire community. These proposals will be funded by the land sale to Taylor Wimpey, who are bringing forward plans which are in the early stages of engagement.
The broader investment plan for the St Albans campus includes place-making, a revitalised campus that serves as a hub for education and creativity at the heart of the campus, a creative gateway, restoration of the Mansion House, sports facilities, improved community spaces and enhanced Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) provision with a new High Needs Centre.
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What is being proposed?
Taylor Wimpey’s plans include:
- Addressing Housing Needs: The development will introduce over 470 new, high-quality homes, including affordable homes. These plans are in line with the emerging local plan for St Albans City and District Council (2024) and the Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan.
- Community Infrastructure: Recognising the importance of community spaces, Taylor Wimpey proposes the construction of a local centre, fostering social interaction and providing a central hub for residents. The plans also include an extra care facility of up to 80 residential units, meeting the growing needs of the community.
- Educational Support: Taylor Wimpey’s plans include the safeguarding of land for a new primary school, ensuring that, once built by Hertfordshire County Council with financial contributions from Taylor Wimpey, there will be education provision in a sustainable position within the heart of the new community.
- Enhancing Public Spaces: Taylor Wimpey is committed to improving the quality of life for residents by creating enhanced open spaces for public enjoyment. This includes improvements to existing public rights of way and access points, biodiversity improvements, play spaces, and promoting connectivity and accessibility.
About Oaklands College
Our proud heritage and commitment to education
Founded in 1921, Oaklands College has supported thousands of students in achieving their dreams and contributing to the local community. With over 8,000 students annually, we offer a wide range of courses, including technical and vocational training, A-levels (sports focus) apprenticeships, higher education, professional and SEND.
- Our vision: To be a sustainable educational trailblazer, inspiring our learners and wider community to achieve their potential in a changing world.
- Our mission: To prepare every learner for work, a rewarding career, and life’s opportunities. By treating every student as the individual they are, with care, passion and understanding in a professional, contemporary and community-focused environment they’ll value and enjoy.
- Leading in vocational education: Our centres of excellence in fields like creative industries, sport, engineering, and construction make Oaklands a leader in education.
Why change is needed
Our plans will allow us to create a 21st-century, digitally immersive, learning environment. By replacing inadequate structures, like converted tractor sheds, with modern facilities, our aims include:
- Replacing outdated buildings: Many of our current facilities (circa 50%) no longer meet modern educational or safety standards, and are not digitally enhanced for the 21st century.
- Sustainability and an environmental focus: New buildings will align with cutting-edge environmental standards, reflecting our commitment to a greener future. We are proud that our recent Construction Centre build surpasses BREEAM standards.
- Improving community facilities: Enhanced spaces will support health and wellbeing initiatives and recreational use by local residents.
- Expanding opportunities for all: Increased accessibility and inclusion will ensure students of all ages and backgrounds can thrive.
We are proud to serve our community, with 81% of our students living close to the St Albans campus. Our plans will deliver long-term benefits, including access to education, job creation, economic prosperity and improved community resources.
Timeline
How will the project move forward
Timeline is subject to change due to planning and consultation.
December 2024
First round of community engagement.
Early 2025
Second round of community engagement.
Spring 2025
Submission of Planning Application and start of statutory consultation process.
Autumn 2025
We hope to have the application determined by the Council.
2025-2030
Phased construction works, with an aim to have most the major buildings open and operational by 2030.