Green Automotive Centre of Excellence at Ore - Project Update

Full planning permission has been granted by Hastings Borough Council for a new Motor Vehicle Workshop at East Sussex College Group’s Ore Valley campus in Hastings.

The development marks a major step forward for the Green Construction, Energy and Vehicle Training Centre, a key project funded through the Hastings Town Deal. The new facility will transform a previously unused multi-use games area into a Green Motor Vehicle Centre of Excellence, supporting the next generation of technicians in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies.

Once complete, the centre will provide state-of-the-art training facilities for students, helping to meet growing regional demand for green automotive skills and supporting the transition to sustainable transport.

Cllr Julia Hilton, Deputy Leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for shaping places and local government reorganisation, said: “The Green Automotive Centre of Excellence is critical to addressing the skills gap in our town and supporting the regional transition to sustainable transport. It’s fantastic to see green skills courses already being delivered, helping people develop the expertise needed for the jobs of the future. The centre also makes great use of a previously under-utilised space, bringing educational, social and economic benefits to our town.”

Artist impression supplied by Sunninghill Construction Company Ltd

The project team has also confirmed the appointment of contractor Sunninghill Construction Company Ltd, who will deliver the new training centre, working alongside, ECE Architecture,  design team Tribe Solutions and East Sussex College Group.

A spokesperson from ECE Architecture, said: “As lead architect on this project, we have been involved from the outset, working closely with the college to shape and develop the overall concept. Throughout the process, the team has maintained strong communication with the college and end users, including senior staff members.”

Rebecca Conroy, Principal of East Sussex College, said: “We’ve reached some really important milestones on the build, with the main structural works complete, along with the mechanical and electrical installation and the specialist workshop layouts that will underpin low‑carbon technologies and modern construction training. Over the coming months we’ll move into the final stages, including finishes, equipment installation and commissioning. We’re very grateful for the council’s continued support, and we’ll keep stakeholders regularly updated as we move into the final phase and prepare the centre to open.”

Breaking ground event at the Ore Valley Campus, 25 March 2026.

From left to right: Lucy Mitchell, East Sussex College, Ruth Kynoch, Hastings Borough Council, Ian Mehrtens (front), East Sussex College, Graham Cook, East Sussex College, Rebecca Conroy, East Sussex College, Nick Wood (back), East Sussex College, Cllr Julia Hilton, Hastings Borough Council, Kevin Hancock (back) Sunninghill Dave Sherwood (front), East Sussex College, Rohan Doyle (back) Sunninghill, Hannah Caldwell, East Sussex College, James Ridger, Sunninghill, Belle Howard, East Sussex College, Steve Wardell, East Sussex College

The new workshop will provide around 420 square metres of modern training space, strengthening collaboration between the college and employers while creating new opportunities for students to gain the skills needed in the fast-growing green automotive sector.

Graham Peters, Chair of the Town Deal Board, said: “It’s really exciting to see work begin on this project, which shows the real impact of the Hastings Town Deal Fund. The new Green Automotive Centre of Excellence will help local people gain the skills needed for the transition to electric and low-emission vehicles while supporting future jobs and opportunities in Hastings.”

‍From a college perspective, this project places students and apprentices firmly at the centre. Curriculum teams are already shaping teaching plans to ensure learners can immediately benefit from the new facilities from the moment the building opens. The new facility will deliver high‑quality pathways into green construction, retrofit, and emerging sustainability industries, helping address local skills needs while providing clear employment routes for young people and adults across Hastings and the wider region.

‍Subject to construction progress, the facility is expected to open ahead of the 2026/27 academic year. Top of Form

The wider project is designed to address local skills deficits by providing new additional skills programmes and courses and deliver green skills programmes to meet modern requirements to Hastings. For a full list of courses already being delivered, please visit East Sussex College Group’s website Hastings A-Z Course Index | East Sussex College.

Key project milestones will be published on the Green Low Carbon Skills & Economy — Hastings Town Deal blog page and follow the East Sussex College blog for more details and updates.