Both old traditional and new building skills and crafts are needed to restore historic properties, retrofit all buildings for better energy efficiency and to build new places that meet the net carbon government targets by 2050.

Our bold plans will see the establishment of regional Heritage and Eco Skills training centre of excellence in the Grade II listed Hillside building on Preston Street.

The centre will provide apprenticeships with qualifications, short courses for people in the industry, do it yourself enthusiasts and self-builders, and it will develop online training too.  

Students may be able to learn some of their skills on the regeneration projects planned for the High Street.

The Heritage and Eco Skills Centre is radical and way ahead of the curve in terms of what it will offer by creating educational and employment opportunities through teaching heritage and eco construction/retrofit skills.

‍

‍