Topping out of new South Coast Institute of Technology facility

Welcoming civil servants from the Department for Education, representatives from Peter Marsh Consulting and Francis Construction, Solent proudly showcased the structure of its new facility, which will offer students the opportunity to gain high quality technical education.

This newest investment cements the University as an innovative hub for higher education, adding to a suite of state-of-the-art facilities already on campus. Matt Johnson, Director of the South Coast Institute of Technology at Southampton Solent University, says:

“The South Coast Institute of Technology is proud to have six fantastic education partners. Over the last year we have opened some outstanding new facilities on our college sites, but we have saved the biggest facility for last. With over 2000m2 of industry standard practical facilities, Solent University will deliver high quality technical education for students preparing for an exciting career in one of our local maritime, engineering, and technology businesses.

“The new facilities are progressing well, and I can’t wait for the inside to now be completed and to start using it to enhance student learning. I am enormously thankful and grateful of the hard work and resilience of everyone involved in the project.”

Solent is the lead partner of the South Coast Institute of Technology, a collaboration of five colleges and two universities. Supported by more than £15m in funding from the Department for Education, the South Coast IoT invites students to become leaders in maritime, engineering and technology with access to the latest innovations, including robotics.

Offering apprenticeships and degrees, as well as career pathways at every level, the South Coast IoT is a key driver of ambition and skill in the region, as well as an advocate of breaking down barriers to education.

The development is being managed by Francis Construction and Peter Marsh Consulting, overseen by Southampton Solent University. Will Barrett Director of Francis Construction says:

"This new facility is instrumental in bridging between education and industry, providing technical expertise into the British maritime and engineering industry for the future. We are proud to be working in partnership with Solent University and PMC to deliver an inspiring place to learn whilst also focusing on reducing carbon to construct and operate the facility.”

Opening in summer 2025, the topping out ceremony marks a key milestone in Solent’s build, with guests visiting campus to scale the scaffolding and see first-hand how this facility is taking shape. The South Coast IoT is an essential partnership which will ensure students are equipped with the skills employers are seeking the most. Alongside our partners, Solent is working with key employers, including the Royal Navy, Portsmouth International Port and IBM to deliver the high-standard workforce they need.

Solent University’s Chief Marketing Office, Andrew Bird, says:

“Today’s topping out ceremony marks an exciting moment in a project which will benefit hundreds of students in the years to come. Ensuring our students are equipped to meet future skills for emerging industries is one of our top priorities, and this facility will play a huge role in this.

“Enhancing accessibility to higher education is something we are passionate about at Solent, and this investment underpins our commitment to opening the doors to the highest-standard education for anyone who wants to get involved.”

Solent University proudly sits at the heart of innovation in education in the city, adopting the latest technology to close the skills gap and boost a diverse range of sectors. This week’s topping out ceremony marks a significant step in the University’s latest endeavour, which will soon open its doors and welcome many more students to campus.

Find out more about the South Coast Institute of Technology here.