Bishop Laney Sixth Form (Ely College), part of Meridian Trust, is delighted to announce the official handover of its newly refurbished home in the transformed Needham Tower block.

Following a successful planning application submitted two years ago, and a £5 million investment supported by the Department for Education, the vision for a state-of-the-art sixth form centre has now been fully realised.

This project represents a major milestone not only for Bishop Laney Sixth Form but also for the wider East Cambridgeshire community, responding to the growing demand for post-16 education places in the region.

Simon Warburton, Principal of Ely College and Bishop Laney Sixth Form, said: "This is a truly exciting moment for our students, staff and the wider Ely community. The new Sixth Form Centre provides an inspiring, modern environment that matches the ambition and potential of our young people.

“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and deeply grateful to Meridian Trust, the Department for Education, and all our partners for making this vision a reality. We look forward to seeing our students fully embracing these exciting new facilities later in the summer term, once the final touches are complete."

      Martin Hair, Director of Estates for Meridian Trust, added: “This transformation, delivered in partnership with the Department for Education, The M&J Group and Peter Smith Associate Architects, has completely revitalised the space, and the results are incredible. This has been a standout project for Meridian Trust and is a brilliant example of what thoughtful investment and collaboration can achieve.”

The refurbished Needham Tower has been transformed into a vibrant, sustainable and purpose-built centre. With a focus on environmental sustainability, the building achieves zero net carbon targets for energy consumption, showcasing a commitment to innovation and regeneration.

The new Sixth Form Centre features cutting-edge facilities, including specialist classrooms, independent study areas, collaborative workspaces, and social hubs, all designed to create a high-quality learning environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

Plans to formally celebrate the opening of the new building with students, staff and the wider community are being developed for the autumn term.