Work completed on ‘pioneering’ skills academy

Work has completed on a construction skills academy that is set to train the next generation of builders and engineers.

The Housing Innovation & Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), at Riverside Sunderland, has been handed over to Sunderland College, who will finish the fit-out ahead of its opening for the 2025/2026 academic year. 

Developed by Sunderland City Council and Sunderland College, the “cutting-edge” academy, which was built by North East-headquartered BRIMS Construction, will provide training in modern construction techniques, low-carbon technologies and sustainable building practices.

Backed by Homes England and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, officials say HICSA will provide a “skills pipeline” for the constructions industries and its subsectors, focusing on factory-built homes and retrofit solutions aligned with the city’s and national priorities.

They add that through collaborations with Northumbria University, Gentoo and Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, the academy will provide clear routes into further education, apprenticeships and professional qualifications.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “Seeing work finally complete on the HICSA is a proud moment for everyone involved in the project.

“The people of Sunderland have a rich history of making things and HICSA will further build on this proud heritage, providing our young people with the skills and knowledge required to make the sustainable, eco-friendly homes of tomorrow.

“It will also see hundreds of young people every year study in this transforming part of the city, increasing their dwell time in the city centre and their spend with local businesses. 

“It is yet another exciting milestone in the development of Riverside Sunderland, which is fast becoming recognised as one of the UK’s most ambitious urban regeneration projects.”

Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive at Education Partnership North East, which runs Sunderland College alongside Hartlepool Sixth Form and Northumberland College, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to see the completion of the HICSA.

“This cutting-edge facility will be truly transformational – equipping local people with the skills they need to progress high-quality careers in the construction and housing sectors.

“HICSA will be a hub of collaboration, bringing together partners from across the region to tackle the challenges of driving innovation, sustainability and long-term growth.

“We’re now looking forward to the building being formally handed over to Sunderland College and completing the internal fit-out ahead of welcoming our first students this September.”

HICSA is part of the wider Riverside Sunderland regeneration project, transforming 32 hectares of brownfield land into offices, cultural venues, parks and 1000 low-carbon homes, some of which will be constructed with input from HICSA students.

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