Barton Peveril College Unveils £9.5 Million Art and Design Facility.

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh has opened a state-of-the-art £9.5 million Art and Design building, marking a significant investment in the future of creative education. The facility, spanning 1,850 square metres, was officially unveiled in a ceremony led by designer Wayne Hemingway MBE, founder of Hemingway Design and co-founder of the fashion brand Red or Dead, who has also played a key role in revitalising Eastleigh’s town centre.

This new building is a bold statement of intent from Barton Peveril. This college educates over 4,900 full-time students aged 16 to 18 from across south-central Hampshire, including Eastleigh, Fareham, Romsey, Southampton, and Winchester. It offers purpose-built spaces for courses in fine art, photography, moving image, graphic communications, textiles, and product design, equipping students with cutting-edge facilities to hone their craft.

In a recent interview, Principal Rob Temple described the facility as “an exceptional space for our students, tailored to meet the demands of the art and design courses we offer.” He added, “The creative industries are a cornerstone of the UK’s economy and cultural identity. This investment reflects our commitment to providing our students with the tools and environment they need to excel.”

The college has long championed vocational and A-level pathways, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education or employment. This new facility strengthens that mission, offering resources that rival those of top institutions. 

The building’s design prioritises functionality, with specialised studios and workshops that cater to the diverse needs of its creative curriculum.

The opening comes at a time when the creative sector faces challenges, with funding for arts education often under scrutiny. Barton Peveril’s investment stands as a counterpoint, demonstrating confidence in the value of nurturing talent in a region known for its vibrant community. 

The college’s decision to prioritise this project signals a rejection of short-term thinking, focusing instead on long-term opportunities for its students and the wider economy.