A new state-of-the-art new digital creative skills hub for Calderdale College has officially opened at Dean Clough in Halifax.
Following the complete transformation of space at the iconic mill complex, Calderdale College was able to welcome over 60 first-year students for the start of the academic year.
Mill Studios now serves students aged 16+ with high-tech facilities for studies in film and TV production, design and editing, esports and games design. The centre has dedicated learning studios with the very latest equipment and software for games design and filming as well as collaborative spaces for events, exhibitions and engagement with employers.
The new 12,834 sq ft hub was made possible through a combination of Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) backing and the college’s own capital investment. LSIF aims to tackle skill shortages by responding to employers’ needs and giving young people the skills to get good jobs and increase their prospects.
David Malone, principal and chief executive at Calderdale College, said: “Mill Studios offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to support the growth and development of key areas such as computer games design, esports, and TV and film production.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have partnered with Dean Clough, whose spacious and professional venue provides the ideal environment for our students to thrive and excel in these fast-growing industries. Their collaboration has been instrumental in bringing Mill Studios to life, and I am confident that this partnership will open new doors for both our students and the broader creative community in Calderdale.
“This is just the beginning, and I look forward to seeing how our students and staff make full use of this incredible facility as we continue to innovate and expand our curriculum to meet the demands of the future.”
Dean Clough is an award-winning 22-acre business and leisure destination in Halifax town centre. With 150 businesses and over 3,000 people working on site it is recognised as a major centre for commerce in Calderdale and a trailblazer in supporting education in the arts thanks to its broad offering of art galleries and curated spaces.
Calderdale College also occupies 2,344 sq ft of space at Dean Clough for its Creative Arts Foundation and BA Degree courses. Students benefit from engaging with practicing artists through the College’s partnership with Dean Clough Galleries and Arts Charity and have their work displayed annually in the renowned Crossley Gallery.
Jeremy Hall, Chairman and Managing Director of Dean Clough, added: “At Dean Clough we have invested many years in repurposing the fabric of a very important heritage site to create a sustainable, vibrant and diverse business hub and cultural amenity. Our well-established art galleries, theatre spaces and creative business operators offer real life experiences for students and emerging talent with strong career opportunities.
“The environment at Dean Clough is a magnet for creative skills learning with other occupiers including neurodiverse learning centre Pinc College, Chef Benson Smith Academy for culinary skills, and our resident ACDC Art School that serves the local community with a wonderful selection of courses.”
Dean Clough is widely recognised for its cultural offering including its unique subterranean theatre and one of the largest private art galleries in the UK. The mills are home to the world-renowned theatre company, Northern Broadsides, and IOU Creation Centre for contemporary art, engineering, and technology.
Last year Dean Clough was selected to host the ultimate awards finale for The British Urban Film Festival (BUFF), its first venture outside of London. It also hosted award winning TV and film productions including Happy Valley, the Gallows Pole, and Marvel’s Secret Invasion, giving substance to the region’s ‘Culturedale’ label.
The destination is located on the edge of Halifax town centre, between Leeds and Manchester, and just 15 minutes from the M62 with direct train links to Leeds, Manchester, York and London.
