Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is leading the design and construction of the new £15.4 million Air and Space Institute (ASI) for Newark College, on the former cattle market site in Newark.
The ASI will provide an opportunity for school leavers aged between 16 and 18 to train for pilot, engineer and ground crew roles with airlines, the military, airports and logistics companies across the UK and abroad.
The three-storey college building, which is due for completion at the end of 2023, will be only the second of its kind in the UK, promising to provide world class training for the air and space industry.
It will accommodate a full-sized Airbus A318 for hands-on teaching experience, alongside a double height entrance hall, large open space hangar, flight simulator, teaching zones and lecture and seminar areas.
G F Tomlinson used software to digitally map the complicated build, allowing the contractors and college - part of Lincoln College Group - to work on the design and use real time updates to navigate the build through all the fundamental stages.
GF Tomlinson managing director Chris Flint said: “We are delighted to be appointed as main contractor on the ASI which offers state-of-the-art training for students at a brand-new campus in the heart of Newark.
“Through our early contractor involvement and close collaboration with the client team, we look forward to turning Lincoln College Group’s vision into a reality by providing a world-class training facility for young people throughout the region.”
Lincoln College Group director of ASI and strategic growth Tom Marsden said: “Like the whole of the town, we’re hugely excited about the progress being made on site and we can’t wait to see the building.
“Young people completing their GCSEs this year can apply for our engineer, pilot, space engineering, groundcrew and military pathways now and they will benefit from these fabulous new facilities during their course, as well as the chance to fly in our ASI aircraft and flight simulators.”
Coun David Lloyd, co-chair of Newark Town Board and Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is fantastic to see the vision for the Air and Space Institute coming to life in Newark and I know many local people are looking forward to having this huge asset in our district.
“Providing skills locally is a key driver for the whole package of projects being funded under Newark’s Town Fund initiative.
“The ASI will be a huge boost for Newark’s inspiring generations of future pilots, ground crew and engineers to see its new home when it is completed.
“It will help shape the ambition for Newark’s future, making it a place people want to live, work, study and visit and I look forward to seeing the progress over the forthcoming years.”
