Former Hippodrome site transformed as £26m Dudley health campus opens to students next month

Dudley’s £26 million health campus, built on the site of the former Hippodrome theatre, is due to welcome its first students next month.

Dudley College will start offering T-levels and access courses from October after signing a lease agreement with the borough council.

However, the much-trailed degree courses are not expected to begin until next year, when an agreement has been completed with University of Worcester.

The building, which was funded by the previous Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, has now been fitted out ready for use.

Under the agreement, the college will occupy and operate the building.

The college said this would become the primary location for a range of courses providing access to higher education programmes, including pathways into health, science and nursing-related professions.

Students studying Health T Levels and Extended Diplomas will also utilise the facility, benefiting from specialist teaching spaces that support practical learning, simulation activities and the development of industry-relevant skills.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: "This is a significant milestone for the building delivered through the Health Innovation Dudley project and a great example of what can be achieved through strong local partnerships.

"We have worked closely with Dudley College throughout this project and are delighted that the building will now begin fulfilling its purpose of creating opportunities for residents.

"By providing high-quality facilities for T Levels and access courses, the centre will help people develop new skills, access further education and improve their career prospects, while also supporting the future growth of our local economy.

“This agreement ensures the building is brought into active use immediately, supporting the council's commitment to delivering value from its regeneration investments while creating lasting benefits for local communities.”

Dudley College principle Diana Martin thanked the council for bringing the project to life.

She said health, care and life-science sectors continued to present significant opportunities for employment and career progression across the region.

“The West Midlands Combined Authority cites that around 10,000 new jobs in the wider life sciences and health-technology sector will be created by 2030, including 5,300 to 5,900 health-tech jobs with strong demand for skilled professionals expected to continue in the years ahead,” said Mrs Martin.

"This investment ensures that local people can access high-quality learning in a specialist environment that prepares them for successful careers and further study."