Perfect Circle lands North Kent College Performing and Production Digital Arts Facility

AECOM has been appointed to deliver the project through Perfect Circle, providing project and cost management services, along with NEC3 supervisor services.

Procured through the SCAPE Consultancy framework, the £9.7 million scheme will see the construction of a two-storey building containing 2,836 square metres of space - delivering a performance venue, dance studios, music performance spaces, digital design classrooms and workshops.

Victoria Brambini, managing director of Perfect Circle, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be involved in the creation of this facility for North Kent College.

"Enhancing the lives of present and future generations is something we take pride in at Perfect Circle, so we’re happy this project will help students to excel academically and leave a lasting legacy within the local community.”

The scheme, which started on site in January 2021 and is due to complete in February 2022, is funded by the government’s Getting Building Fund and overseen by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).

It will enhance North Kent College’s facilities to deliver performing arts and digital design education, respond to growing student demand, and contribute to the long-term growth of the creative and cultural sector.

The project is one of six to receive funding in Kent from the government’s Build Back Better initiative, helping to recover the economy by delivering vital facilities within an 18-month timeframe.

Mark Robinson, group chief executive of SCAPE, said: “It’s clear that investment in the public sector, including further education, is crucial to the country’s economic recovery both in terms of long-term skills development and immediate infrastructure delivery.

"With the Getting Building Fund necessitating tight deadlines, direct award frameworks are playing an important role in getting projects like this off the ground quickly, while still ensuring they are delivered to the highest standard.”

David Gleed, chief executive and executive principal at North Kent College, said: “We are delighted to receive funding for this vital project, which will further enhance the outstanding arts offer that North Kent College provides.

"With the arts as a key focus for both Kent and the Thames Gateway, this development ensures we remain at the forefront of education and training to produce the very best future arts professionals.”

Robert Davis, project manager at AECOM, said: “We’re looking forward to getting started on this facility and contributing towards the improvement of North Kent College’s educational infrastructure for young people.

"As trusted advisors to the client, we’ll be able to utilise our technical expertise to ensure the project is completed on budget and on time – streamlining processes and exceeding industry standards.”

The chosen contractor for the project is Willmott Dixon, which also procured the scheme through SCAPE.