Work starts on new farming campus

A hay barn, sheep shed and grain store will be part of the new facilities

Work has started on a new training campus at a farming college to help address "growing demand" for land-base skills.

East Durham College is renovating existing buildings at its Houghall Campus, near Durham, as well as building a new teaching block.

Principal Scott Bullock said new facilities including a hay barn, sheep shed and grain store would help students "hone their skills ready for the world of work".

"It will really help to update the facilities that our students have available to them, mainly around the teaching and learning resources, allowing us to really link theory to practical sessions."

When the multimillion pound project was presented to planners at Durham County Council, the college said that without the redevelopment it could not rule out the campus' closure.

The planning committee was told the facilities were "inadequate", with some classrooms being the equivalent size of "a small living room".

The college said it expected work to be completed in April 2027.

Mr Bullock said: "It will help address the growing demand for skills in areas such as agriculture, animal care, horticulture and environmental management."