The move will help support the college as demand continues to grow for more practical and employer-led learning, particularly the growing appetite for the new technical post-GCSE T-Level qualifications
New plans for Ron Dearing UTC include creating five additional Sixth Form teaching classrooms, independent study facilities, and collaborative learning spaces(Image: Ron Dearing UTC)
Offices in Hull could be transformed into independent study spaces and classrooms if ambitious plans from a college are given the green light. Ron Dearing University Technical College has submitted the plan for the space in The Maltings, on Silvester Street in the city centre.
It could see the office accommodation being turned into learning spaces and room for staff. Plans include five additional Sixth Form teaching classrooms, a dedicated Sixth Form Centre incorporating independent study facilities, social and collaborative learning spaces for post-16 students, and a dedicated workspace.
The move will help support the college as demand continues to grow for more practical and employer-led learning, particularly the growing appetite for the new technical post-GCSE T-Level qualifications.
Since opening in 2017, Ron Dearing UTC has experienced sustained growth in student numbers and remains consistently oversubscribed but it is not thought the plans will allow for an expansion in student numbers.
Instead, new meeting rooms and boardroom facilities will be built to support governance and leadership. The college’s current limitations are ‘adversely affecting operational efficiency and placing increasing pressure on staff and administrative functions,’ documents submitted to Hull City Council state.
Details in the proposals include minor internal alterations, boosting security and access control measures, internal screening, fire doors, glazing, turnstile access arrangements and a shower facility. No external alterations are proposed.
Planning documents note that the building is currently configured for commercial occupation, with the intention to change it to a ‘mixed-use arrangement comprising retained office accommodation and a state-funded educational facility’. The additional premises would function as an extension to the existing Ron Dearing UTC campus, operating in conjunction with the main site and its STEAM Studios.
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The Maltings is a characterful office development on the site of the former Hull Brewery. It lies to the south side of Jarratt Street and is within Hull’s business and legal quarter in the heart of the city centre.
Documents submitted to Hull City Council make clear its brilliant transport links, being close to many bus routes on nearby Bond Street and benefitting from the proximity to Paragon Interchange for trains and other connectivity.
A wider economic impact?
St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, Princes Quay Shopping Centre and Hull’s leisure offerings are all within easy walking distance too. Some regeneration experts believe the growth of colleges in towns and city centres could have a positive economic impact.
Jessica Craig, policy manager at Power to Change, said colleges growing in city centres like Hull could not only bring empty buildings back to life but also boost retail, culture and leisure.
“With the growth of online and out of town shopping, retail alone cannot sustain our struggling high streets but a mixed use high street can offer a sustainable alternative. Increasingly, places are building essential services like education, employment support and healthcare services into their high street offer, along with more community spaces, arts and cultural experiences and quality housing,” she explained.
“The mixed-use model of high streets and town centres can help bring empty buildings back to life, improve the look and feel of the area, and increases footfall to surrounding businesses.”
Ron Dearing UTC is for students aged 14 to 19-years-old. Its model is a state-funded educational establishment that works in partnership with universities and employers to deliver a curriculum aligned with local and regional skills needs.
The college offers a distinctive educational model that gives students technical knowledge, professional behaviours and workplace skills required by industry. Ron Dearing UTC was graded Outstanding by Ofsted in 2020 and following a further inspection in May 2025, it was found to have maintained its outstanding standards.
“This continued success reflects the strong reputation of the UTC, the quality of its educational provision and the extensive partnerships it has established with regional employers,” planning documents submitted to the council state.
The UTC is named after the late Lord Ron Dearing of Kingston upon Hull, who was born and educated in the city and went on to become a senior civil servant and Chairman of the Post Office. His Dearing Report of 1997 changed the landscape of UK higher education and Lord Dearing developed the UTCs model with former Education Secretary Lord Baker.
UTCs focus on technical specialisms, chosen by the sponsoring universities and employers, in addition to the core subjects of English, maths and sciences. Ron Dearing UTC focuses on creative arts, digital technology, computing and engineering.
The proposal is open for comment on the Hull City Council’s planning portal until October 8th.
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