MP Paul Waugh Looks Forward to Completion of Hopwood Hall College's New Building

Rochdale, Greater Manchester, UK – Paul Waugh, the newly elected MP for Rochdale, has hailed the construction of a state-of-the-art facility at Hopwood Hall College as a cornerstone of the, "Rochdale revival", following a multi-million-pound investment from the Labour government.

During a recent visit to the site for a formal 'topping out' ceremony, Mr. Waugh praised the progress of the new building, which is being delivered through a partnership between the Department for Education, Rochdale Council, and the college.

The new annexe is designed to provide cutting-edge facilities for students across a wide array of disciplines, including engineering, catering, childcare, video game development, music, and art and design. According to the MP, the project represents a significant, "vote of confidence", in the region’s youth.

"It’s a real visible embodiment of the ‘Rochdale revival’ that I’ve been pushing for ever since becoming MP", Waugh said. "These courses give our local kids the best chance at developing hands-on skills that employers need".

In a move that resonates deeply with the local community, the college announced that the new structure will be named the Clegg Building. The name honours the late Robert Clegg OBE, a beloved local figure who founded Springhill Hospice and served as both a councillor for Wardle and West Littleborough and a governor of Hopwood Hall.

Waugh linked the investment to a broader national shift toward vocational training, citing Greater Manchester Mayor Andrew Burnham’s focus on further education. He specifically highlighted the recent introduction of vocational GCSEs in subjects like construction and creative media as evidence that the government, "means business", regarding skills-based learning.

The ceremony was attended by several key figures, including Hopwood Hall Principal Julia Heap, representatives from the construction firm Willmott Dixon, the mayor and mayoress of Rochdale, and Councillor Daniel Meredith.

Principal Julia Heap has previously emphasised that the expansion is essential to meeting the growing demand for technical education in the borough, ensuring that students have access to industry-standard equipment.

The Clegg Building is currently on track to welcome its first cohort of students next year.

"I can’t wait to see the new building open", Waugh added. "It is a proud moment for Rochdale and a vital step in ensuring our young people have the bright future they deserve".