News / 27-Jan-25

Cornwall College Campus Masterplan Rationalisation

Written by Carl Fowler
Cornwall College - Trelawney - Library Entrance

As part of a future Campus masterplan the College has undertaken a wide-ranging rationalisation across the Estate targeting extensive removal of redundant and poor-quality accommodation through the DfE Capital Transformation Fund Bid and the T level Capital Fund to the Camborne Campus. The Estates strategy proposed a significant reduction in the gross floor area on the existing campus through a program of demolition and repurposing to improve space utilisation along with fabric upgrades of the remaining buildings where necessary. The Campus hosted a number of buildings dating back to the 1950’5, 60’ & 70’s that were in a poor state of repair and limited functionality, many of which had been taken out of educational use.

The proposals included the alteration works to the Trelawney, Carlyon, Proctor, Union Bar & Exams Hall buildings improving space utilisation and functionality by re-purposing the underutilised spaces to create a greatly enhanced learning experience. Rationalising the existing spaces allows the college to co-relocate curriculum areas - Digital Creative Media and Gaming, Art, Hospitality and Health & Social Care - around a more compact, coherent and better-connected Campus Hub.

This comprehensive strategy not only addresses the physical condition of the campus but also enhances the educational framework, fostering a better learning experience for students.


Cornwall College - Trelawney - Corridor
Cornwall College - Trelawney - Corridor
Cornwall College - Trelawney - Photography Room
Cornwall College - Trelawney - Science Labs
Cornwall College - Trelawney Building - Science Labs
Cornwall College - Trelawney - Library Entrance
Cornwall College - Trelawney - Library

The seven storey Tamar Tower a prominent landmark on the local skyline has been retained and with the relocation of the Art facilities elsewhere freed up the floor plates allowing the colleges corporate services to be located more centrally within the Campus and reduce the need for learners to travel to the upper floors of the building reducing time wated moving between study areas. New layouts provided the opportunity to utilise natural light deep into the floorplates and create well-proportioned circulation.

The proposed Campus masterplan for the College focuses on enhancing the overall educational experience by rationalizing and improving the existing physical spaces. Key elements of the plan include:

Demolition and Repurposing: The strategy targets the removal of redundant and poorly maintained buildings—particularly those from the 1950s through the 1970s—that are no longer functional for educational purposes.

Space Utilization: By repurposing underutilized areas within existing buildings such as Trelawney, Carlyon, Proctor, Union Bar, and Exams Hall, the College aims to improve space utilization. This will allow for a more effective learning environment.

Co-locating Curriculum Areas: The plan facilitates the relocation of curriculum areas, including Digital Creative Media and Gaming, Art, Hospitality, and Health & Social Care, to create a more compact and connected Campus Hub. This spatial organization is intended to enhance collaboration and accessibility among different departments.

Tamar Tower Centralization: The relocation of Art facilities from Tamar Tower will allow the corporate services of the College to be centralized within the Campus, streamlining access for both staff and students and minimizing unnecessary movement across floors.

Natural Light and Circulation: The redesigned layouts aim to maximize the use of natural light and improve circulation throughout the buildings, providing an inviting and conducive atmosphere for working.

Cornwall College - Tamar - Offices
Cornwall College - Tamar - Entrance
Cornwall College - Tamar - Offices
Cornwall College - Carlyon - Classroom
Cornwall College - Carlyon - Classroom

Meet the Author

Senior Architect
Carl Fowler
BA(Hons)  BArch(Hons)  RIBA  ARB Carl has a wealth of experience on large... Read More

BA(Hons)  BArch(Hons)  RIBA  ARB

Carl has a wealth of experience on large commercial and residential projects in the North West of England for national and international clients as well as together with local authorities. During his time at Poynton Bradbury, he has successfully completed several projects, including the Tamar Crossing Offices, ESAM Advanced Manufacturing office and industrial building, Exmouth Watersports Centre, The Liner, Ocean View apartments, and Launceston College’s new science teaching building.

Carl brings extensive knowledge of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the delivery of projects through BIM software alongside leading the practice’s BIM Management and Implementation program. As a senior member of the practice Carl is able to manage multi-disciplinary teams and complex client groups, nurturing strong project team relationships and ensuring that design remains central to the delivery process,

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