A new Adult Learning Centre and community campus is opening in Alnwick providing a one stop shop where residents can access a range of support and education services all under one roof. 
 

The campus, situated in the annexe of the old Lindisfarne School on Lindisfarne Road, NE66 1AX is undergoing a phased opening with all services fully operational on the campus by the end of April. 
 

Located on the site will be Northumberland Skills, Northumberland Communities Together,  the Alnwick Food Bank, Citizens Advice and Alnwick Town Council.  There will also be a community café offering light refreshments. 
 

Northumberland County Council Customer Services is also in the building and open to the public Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am - 13:00pm   
 

The annexe will also contain a multi-purpose hall that can be let out on a casual basis for a variety of local community activities. 

Northumberland County Council has invested £2 million in refurbishing the building with work including roof repairs, an electrical and heating upgrade, window replacement and internal remodelling.  
 

Northumberland County Councillor and Alnwick Town Councillor Gordon Castle said:  

“Residents will now have a modern, fit for purpose facility which will be of great benefit to the local community. 

“It makes sense to have these services grouped together under one roof making it easier for residents to access the support and help they may need.” 

Northumberland Skills will be offering classes for school leavers, adults and SEND learners with a wide range of academic and vocational courses on offer including maths, English, art, IT, childcare and construction. 

 
Northumberland County Councillor and Alnwick Town Councillor Martin Swinbank added: 

“I’m very pleased to see this old school building upgraded with a renewable heating system, insulation improvements and solar panels.  

“The refurbishment enables important council and resident support services to be retained within our town and in addition there are also rooms for hire by the community. 
 

“I really hope the new café thrives and becomes a focal point for residents and other users of the campus too.” 

The Northumberland County Council customer services and contact centre that was formerly located in Greenwell Lane is now located in the building. Residents will be able to receive help with any council services such as refuse enquiries, council tax, Blue Badge and Concessionary travel, etc.   
 

Northumberland Communities Together will have a presence and will be there to offer help and advice and connect residents to support services, groups, or organisations to help with their needs.  

 
Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member with responsibility for Children's Services, which includes education and skills, said: “It is fantastic to see the vision for this thriving education and community campus become a reality.  

“This investment in specially designed teaching and learning facilities mean residents can gain new skills in a welcoming and supportive environment as close to their homes as possible.” 
 

Following on from the refurbishment of the annexe buildings, the council is now progressing with the planned clearance of the remainder of the site. No final decisions have yet been taken for its future use.