Grounds team transform unloved patch into welcoming courtyard at the heart of college campus

THE grounds team at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s Trowbridge campus have transformed an unloved piece of rough ground into an attractive courtyard at the heart of the site.

The area, which had been home to a number of portable classrooms around ten years ago, was left bare when the buildings were removed. Deputy Principal Steve Campion said he had often had conversations with colleagues who felt better use should be made of the space for students.

“I was just a bit tired of looking at it as well because we thought it had potential,” he said. “Finally the funding became available to do something about it and so I spoke to Ollie Adams, who leads the grounds team.”

Ollie and his team came up with a design and work began over the last year with an external company adding topsoil. The grounds team landscaped the area, laid paths criss-crossing the new lawn and installed lighting, planters, benches and, more recently, branded recycling bins.

The result is a welcoming and relaxing area that, said Steve, couldn’t have come into use at a better time. “We have had a steady rise in the number of students coming to our Trowbridge campus over the past two years and we now have more than 1,200 16 to 19-year-olds studying here,” he said.

“When you have that increase you don’t just have to think about classroom space but social space for our students too. So having this extra area for them to socialise in has made a big difference and it has been lovely to see not just students but staff using it at lunchtime and in their breaks.”

He said having such an inviting space is important, not just for current students but for prospective students coming to open days and events. “Both in terms of mental health and providing green space, and as part of our sustainability agenda, it is important,” he said.

“It has been really well received by students and staff and I’d like to thank Ollie and the grounds team for their hard work in making it happen. It’s a really attractive addition to our estate.”

Want to explore Trowbridge campus for yourself?

Join us at our final Trowbridge Open Event of the year this Saturday – discover our courses, meet our team and see our new courtyard in person.