The Prince of Wales has formally launched a construction college, the Dorset Construction and Training Centre, in Poundbury. Poundbury, developed in 1993, is an urban extension to Dorchester built on the principles of New Urbanism. It was built in pursuance of greener lifestyles and is currently home to 1,500 people. It is expected that the town will house 5,000 people by 2025. The college administers Weymouth College’s stone masonry courses and is one of three colleges in the UK offering this course.
According to the official website of the Prince of Wales, he said, “A training centre like this really is important to focus on sustainable construction and stonemasonry. There’s a large black hole in terms of skills out there in this country. The fact (that) what is happening here is making a difference is of enormous importance.” The college, which has been operational since February 1, 2009, aims to become a Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Construction. Heritage-based courses such as roof thatching and dry-stone walling are also offered here. |
