East Riding College has officially opened its new Baker Street Campus in Hull. Emma Hardy, MP, opened the venue for Music, Performing Arts and a variety of courses for adults to upskill for the workplace.
The refurbished building is dedicated to Music and Performing Arts courses for students studying post-GCSE and up to degree level. It boasts purpose-built studios and workshops and also houses bright, spacious teaching and break-out rooms for adults to upskill in areas as broad as First Aid, food manufacture, management and leadership.
Guest of honour, Emma Hardy MP, whilst officially opening the building, said: “The arts are for everyone, and the arts should be available for everyone. So having this facility here in our city able to give those opportunities to all of you is really important.”
“This place is more than just a centre for performing arts and a place for you all to develop into the wonderful young people you are all going to be; this is a place that gives everybody a chance to develop into the career they want. In life sometimes you start with one career then you might get another one so having the chance to come here to develop new skills for a new career is exactly what we need in this city. Having a chance to come her to get reskilled, upskilled and learn is exactly what we should be doing.”
The campus’s Performing Arts students were excited to see their new home declared officially open. Emily said: “I really enjoy having our own campus, it is quite a small place, you get to have your own space and express your creativity. Also talking with the music students is really good, you get to mingle and see each other’s experiences, it’s lovely getting to know everyone and the tutors are really lovely. I feel like I am improving every single day and it’s a great experience to take away for the future, I think it is really going to help me.”
Prue Gibson, East Riding College Campus Principal, said: “This building is more than bricks and mortar—it is a creative hub where talent will flourish, ideas will take shape, and the next generation of performers and musicians will find their voice. Across the Tec Partnership, our vision has always been to provide outstanding facilities, and incredible staff, that inspire and empower, and today we celebrate that vision becoming reality.”
Jamie Green, Executive Director of National Employer Training, said: “This campus represents a strategic investment in Hull—an investment in skills, in people, and in the future workforce of this city. Through our unemployment provision, we see the real challenges individuals face when trying to re-enter the labour market. But we also see the potential. Our programmes are designed to unlock that potential by providing industry- relevant training, practical support, and clear progression routes into employment.”
You can take a look inside below. All photos taken by Donna Clifford for Hull Live.