Construction Hub Development

More information on the campus development can be found on our website. Thank you for all of the support we are receiving from our local community as this will offer fantastic facilities for not only our students but for all of our communities.  

Therefore, the footpaths that connect the campus will be reopened for the vast majority of the time, closed only when building works dictate that for health and safety reasons, relating to the construction works, they must be closed. This will be managed on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council and communicated to our neighbours, students, and staff with as much notice as possible. The date they will be reopened is being finalised between the College and Hertfordshire County Council and will be communicated in due course. The College is aiming to reopen the pathways prior to the end of the current closure agreement which runs until the end of March.  

As the current phase of development is scheduled to finish by October 2024, the College will be applying for an extension beyond the existing agreement, limited to the temporary closure of the footpaths, only when major works are being undertaken and where it is in in the interest of public safety.  

It is very unfortunate that we have had to close the North Drive and a section of our alternative woodland walk, due to the contamination from the neighbouring housing development. This is not related to any of the building works taking place on our campus. We are working rapidly with the concerned parties so North Drive can be reopened safely, as soon as possible. We are sorry to be in this unforeseen position.  

We would like to thank those members of the public who are supporters of the College and our mission to transform lives. We would ask that as the pathways reopen that members of the community champion and advocate for the College by reporting any public inappropriate behaviour and stick to the designated routes. We will continue use of the popular alternative pathways and will continue works on these to make them even better for the public.  

It has always been the College’s intention to strengthen our community relationships and extend the opportunities to open the campus for community involvement. Throughout 2023 there were several community events including the annual Oaklands Summer Festival, charity cycle rides, Lambing Weekend and the inaugural St Albans Foodies Festival which saw more than 10,000 visitors come to the campus. Not to mention open days through the year, sporting activities for all ages and the opening of the Oaklands Zoo every week to the public. In 2024 the College will be introducing several additional community events to build on the significant number of visitors to the College last year.  

The College will be publishing a community newsletter with the first edition ready for Easter. Should you wish to be added to the mailing please let us know via our community inbox and please keep checking our website and social media for more information on how to become involved in our community activities and engagement work.  

community@oaklands.ac.uk