College honours local leader on campus build

An education provider has honoured a business leader on a multi-million-pound development.

Northumberland College has unveiled The Hope Building at its under-construction Ashington Campus.

The hub has been named after Jeff Hope, manufacturing director at Ashington-based paint maker AkzoNobel.

Jeff studied at Northumberland College’s existing base in Ashington before completing a surveying and mapping science degree at Newcastle University that led to roles including time as a navigator on marine exploration vessels.

He is a founding member of the Ashington Town Board, a trustee at the Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust and helped co-develop the AkzoNobel Ashington apprenticeship programme alongside Northumberland College.

The Hope Building – which will teach construction and engineering skills – will form part of Northumberland College’s new campus on Ashington’s Wansbeck Business Park, which bosses say will “revolutionise the education and skills landscape in the North East and beyond”.

Supported by the Department for Education, they add it will “deliver outstanding technical and academic qualifications to thousands of learners”.

Jeff said: “I’ve never experienced anything quite like this before – I feel immensely proud.

“This new campus represents a once-in-a-generation investment; it gives us something we all need: hope, belief and a shared sense of pride for the future.”

The campus will have three buildings – The Hope Building, an Academic and Technical ‘Heart of the Campus’ and a Student Life Centre.

Programmes will include routes for 16 to 19-year-olds through A-Levels and T Levels, as well as apprenticeships, courses for adult learners, SEND provision and a range of degrees and higher-level study.

Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive at Education Partnership North East, which is delivering the college development, added: “Jeff dedicates so much of his time, energy and heart to Ashington and the wider North East.

“His passion for this region and its people is truly inspiring.”

The Ashington Campus will open in late 2026.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →