HRH DUCHESS OF CORNWALL LACKHAM CAMPUS

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall launched a pioneering £9 million development project at Wiltshire College & University Centre’s Lackham campus today.

Her Royal Highness was shown plans for the exciting developments, which aim to transform the campus into a regional training centre of land-based excellence, by College Principal Amanda Burnside accompanied by distinguished guests including Sarah Rose Troughton, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, John Mortimer, Chairman of the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Baroness Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council.

During the visit HRH also met students and staff, oversaw a speedy tractor build, toured the animal science laboratories and witnessed cutting edge technology in the form of a driverless tractor. Amanda Burnside, Principal of The College said: 

“It was a wonderful occasion and we are delighted HRH was able to come and launch the campus development project."
“HRH spoke to lots of our students during the visit and showed a genuine interest in the excellent work we are doing at this campus, and also what we are planning to do here in the future. Lackham already has an excellent reputation in teaching quality. The investment in the campus and farm will elevate our position as a real leader in agricultural training in the region and beyond.”

The visit of Her Royal Highness marked the start of the Lackham development project in earnest. Plans for the campus, where the College’s renowned land-based courses are offered, include a new Agricultural Technology Centre, the expansion of higher education facilities, a new high-tech robotic milking parlour and dairy training buildings.

The College was awarded £22 million of government Local Growth Fund money via the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) in 2017 to invest in both its Salisbury and Lackham campuses. Work on both campuses will be completed by 2021.