‘A creative hub where talent can flourish’: East Riding College opens new Hull campus

UPSKILLING: The official opening of East Riding College’s new Hull campus

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

East Riding College has officially opened a new campus in Hull city centre.

The venue, on Baker Street, is dedicated to music and performing arts for students studying post GCSE up to degree-level, and offers a variety of courses for adults to upskill.

The building, which used to be home to The Rhythm Room night spot, has been completely refurbished and boasts purpose-built studios and workshops.

Conveniently situated close to Paragon Interchange, it also features bright, spacious teaching and break-out rooms for adults to upskill in areas including first aid, food manufacture and management and leadership.

Guest of honour, Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy, officially opened the new campus.

OPPORTUNITIES: Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy was the guest of honour at the opening

She told the assembled guests, students and staff: “The arts are for everyone, and the arts should be available for everyone. So, having this facility here in our city able to give those opportunities to all of you is really important.

“This place is more than just a centre for performing arts and a place for you all to develop into the wonderful young people you are all going to be – this is a place that gives everybody a chance to develop the career they want.

“In life, sometimes you start with one career then you might get another one, so having the chance to come here to develop new skills for a new career is exactly what we need in this city.

“Having a chance to come here to get reskilled, upskilled and learn is exactly what we should be doing.”

Prue Gibson, campus principal at East Riding College, which is part of the TEC Partnership group, said: “This building is more than bricks and mortar – it is a creative hub where talent will flourish, ideas will take shape and the next generation of performers and musicians will find their voice.

VISION: East Riding College campus principal Prue Gibson addressing guests

“Across the TEC Partnership, our vision has always been to provide outstanding facilities and incredible staff that inspire and empower, and today we celebrate that vision becoming reality.” 

Jamie Green, executive director of National Employer Training, said: “This campus represents a strategic investment in Hull – an investment in skills, in people and in the future workforce of this city.

“Through our unemployment provision, we see the real challenges individuals face when trying to re-enter the labour market. But we also see the potential. Our programmes are designed to unlock that potential by providing industry-relevant training, practical support and clear progression routes into employment.”

Adam Dowd, a music tutor who teaches up to degree-level, and who has been heavily involved in the development of the building, said he is excited about the possibilities it offers for students.

“This brand-new facility offers students an incredibly wide scope to multiple industry practices,” he said.

PERFORMING: Music students at the new campus

“Performance and production is the core but the variety of roles they can explore in the environment are exponential and moreover, possible!

“Baker Street offers multiple hub spaces for students to explore and challenge their own creativity regardless of their primary discipline.

“Put that in tandem with incredible teaching and support staff – the building is the perfect recipe for all musical endeavours.”

Performing arts tutor Sophie Crowther, whose students showcased a display of classic performances to the invited guests at the official opening, added: “With our new campus right in the heart of the city, performers from every discipline can create, connect and build real links with local arts companies and theatres.

“Our multifunctional studio gives students the freedom to develop their artistic skills in a space that celebrates all talents and abilities, and the performing arts team and I are super enthusiastic to see what this new venture will bring.”