Students leave their mark on Ashfield’s Northern Depot redevelopment
Students from Vision West Notts College recently visited the construction site at Ashfield District Council’s Northern Depot, where their new learning hub will be based as part of a major redevelopment project.
With the steel framework now erected, the students were given a guided tour of the site by Lindum Group, the construction company delivering the scheme. As part of the visit, they also had the opportunity to sign the steel structure, symbolically leaving their mark on a build that will play a key role in their future education and careers.
The partnership between Ashfield District Council and Vision West Notts College will see the depot transformed into a dedicated campus for vehicle maintenance and civil engineering, offering apprenticeship programmes and vocational courses. This initiative will provide young people with hands-on training opportunities, integrating their learning with live council operations and giving them direct experience of working in a professional environment.
The Northern Depot redevelopment is more than just a new learning hub. It represents a significant investment in the district’s infrastructure, designed to future-proof council services and deliver improved outcomes for residents.
The upgraded depot will feature:
- Modern workshops equipped with the latest tools and technology.
- Streamlined administrative spaces to support more efficient operations.
- Energy efficient and sustainable design, reducing the environmental impact of council services.
- Dedicated training areas for students, ensuring education and community services work side by side.
By combining council operations with vocational training, the depot will become a multi-purpose hub that benefits both residents and students. For residents, this means faster, more reliable service delivery, from waste management to fleet maintenance, all supported by a modern facility designed to meet future demands. For students, the project offers a unique opportunity to learn in a real-world environment, gaining practical skills that will prepare them for careers in engineering, construction, and public service.
Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said:
“This redevelopment is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about investing in our young people, improving council services, and building a facility that will serve Ashfield for generations to come.
"We’re proud to be working with Vision West Notts College and Lindum Group to deliver a project that benefits the whole community.”
Danielle Askham Workplace Engagement Officer at Vision West Notts College added:
“We are extremely grateful to Lindum Group and Ashfield District Council for collaborating with us and providing an excellent local opportunity for our students.
"Being able to observe the project from its early stages and follow its development has been inspiring and highly engaging for our students.
"This kind of hands-on, community-based experience is invaluable for young people exploring their future pathways. We look forward to returning and continuing this positive partnership, and we anticipate another excellent visit during this process.”
Hayley Cowell, Social Value Lead at Lindum Group, said:
“Site visits like this help bring careers in construction to life, and it’s fantastic that these young people can see first-hand how investment in Ashfield is creating real opportunities on their doorstep.
"This visit is just the start of our wider engagement programme, and we’re excited to continue working with the college and the council to make sure local investment truly benefits local young people.”
The depot rebuild project is on track for completion in Summer 2026.
Posted on 09 December 2025