BUILDING work has begun on the first two phases of a £10m investment at Duchy College Stoke Climsland called 'Future Farm.'  

The two phases consist of a £2.1-million Agricultural and Land-Based Skills and Technology Centre, and a unique £3.2-million Dairy Unit providing applied research and teaching and incorporating new technologies from around the world.

The Agricultural Skills Centre, being built by Midas Construction, involves the renovation of a historic grade two listed two-storey barn and the creation of brand-new learning and teaching facilities in steel and timber. It will become a state-of-the-art teaching and office space supporting schools and community groups, students, industry and employers in land-based engineering and the traditional rural skills of estate maintenance.

It will be the perfect base, say the college, for its exciting partnerships with major machinery manufacturers and its UK and international agricultural and land-based engineering students.

Dr Phil Le Grice, Duchy College assistant principal, said: 'Duchy College and its partners are leading forces in investing in the future of farming and food and the wonderful people who choose to make working on the land, producing our food and managing the natural environment their career.

'Our applied research and knowledge exchange work has been recognised as exemplary on a national stage and these capital investments are the next planned step in serving the industry. Students and businesses will see great things from this centre. Already our staff and students have had training with Claas and John Deere both here and abroad. This will continue to grow and it will continue to ensure that Duchy College, in the heart of Devon and Cornwall, brings the best equipment, knowledge and support to the South West.'

The third phase of the Future Farm development is a new University Hub, housing staff, students and visiting industrialists and academics from around the world. This development will place Duchy College and the South West at the heart of the UK's agricultural technology and food security strategies.

The plans have been welcomed enthusiastically by Cornwall Council, the Duchy of Cornwall (the college's landlord), the farming and rural business community and the associated applied technology sectors.

Mike O'Neill, divisional director for Midas, said: 'We are delighted to be working with Duchy College again and continuing our long association of working with Cornwall College to develop first-class teaching and training facilities.

'This new project is very exciting and we were pleased to win the contract through the Cornwall Council Framework. We will be working closely with conservation officers to ensure the grade two listed barn is refurbished sensitively and to create a modern, usable teaching space within a very impressive setting.'

The first phase of the project, the Agricultural Skills Centre, is expected to be completed by this time next year.