Exeter College and Willmott Dixon celebrated the topping out of the new Centre for Law and Social Sciences building on Tuesday 22 April, located on the College’s main site on Hele Road. This significant milestone signifies the completion of the building’s main structure, before the building opens in the autumn term. 

The new Centre for Law and Social Sciences (CLS) building consists of four floors and covers 2,800sqm. The £12million centre is the college’s largest investment in a new building and will host 25 new classrooms alongside new staff and study spaces to meet the demand of the increase in learners looking for academic qualifications. 

Jade Otty, Vice Principal and Deputy CEO at Exeter College, said; 

“It’s incredible to see this new building taking shape – it’s been designed with our students at the heart of it.  
 
“The Centre for Law and Social Sciences will give them the space and environment they deserve to grow, explore big ideas, and prepare for the future.  
 
“It’s exciting to know this space will inspire the next generation, just like Charlotte.” 

The College was delighted to see a past student return to the site as part of the Willmott Dixon Team. Charlotte Barons was one of the first students in the country to study a T Level in Construction and the Built Environment and is now a trainee site manager.  

Thanks to a work experience placement organised by the College, she joined Willmott Dixon as a management trainee. Now in her third year of a degree apprenticeship with the company, she’s already working on notable projects, including a Passivhaus build for Exeter University and a new Centre for Law and Social Science, back at Exeter College. 

Speaking about working on the project, she said; 

“It’s amazing to be back. It’s so interesting to see it from the other side, knowing how the students will appreciate it the way I did when I was in the Construction Faculty. It’s so nice to give back to the College, after all they have done for me.” 

Rob Woolcock, Director of Operations at Willmott Dixon said; 

“We have a long-standing relationship with Exeter College, and we are delighted to have reached this milestone on the build of the Centre for Law and Social Sciences. We have significant experience in delivering facilities like the new Centre across the Southwest and we’re confident of the positive impact it will have on the students and the faculty for many years to come.” 

One of the students who will be studying in the new Centre for Law and Social Sciences is A Level student, Theo Veliyeth. He studies Business, Economics, Law, and Computer Science and said;  

“It’s great to see the investment happening in these subjects, investment in Law and Social Sciences is important so this really does show the college cares.” He jokily added; “I am also looking forward to not having to climb up all the stairs of the Tower building!” 

George Chubb is studying A Levels in History, English Language and Law enjoyed the tour of the new building. He said; “I liked the open area where they are going to bring in some sculptures from Exeter Cathedral. I’m excited to continue my studies in the new building next term.” 
 
Students, staff, governors, and contractors were invited for a tour of the building, including a gathering on the roof. A huge thank you must go to all the partners and teams who have made this project possible such as AWW Architects, Hydrock, Peninsula Projects and the whole team at Willmott Dixon.  

The next major milestone will be the external cladding and brickwork before the project is completed in the autumn.