The Mayor of the East Midlands was guest of honour at the launch of a specialist college’s new residential block.
Mayor Claire Ward cut the ribbon to officially open Pines, at Portland College, near Mansfield.
The renovated residential provision now houses nine modern en-suite bedrooms and six independence flats, alongside a social space, allowing even more people with disabilities the chance to live, study and thrive.
Designed to nurture both personal growth and environmental responsibility, the facility supports residents in developing vital independence and social skills within a safe, sustainable, and inspiring setting.
Mayor Claire said: “I was honoured to open the new accommodation at Portland College. It was wonderful to see first-hand how this space will make a difference in the community. I was hugely impressed by the building’s transformation into Pines and know the fantastic new facilities will be greatly appreciated by the students staying there.
“My vision for the East Midlands is shaped around inclusive growth – tackling inequality and creating new opportunities in every community, so we can build a stronger, more inclusive economy that delivers for everyone, something Portland College has been dedicated to for many years.”
In addition to the extensive building and renovation work, led by Mansfield-based contractor Vaughandale Construction, Pines has been developed with sustainability in mind. The carbon-negative facility is fitted with an air source heat pump and solar panels, marking a major step forward in the college’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and preparing learners to live more independent lives.
Mark Dale, Portland Charity chief executive officer, said: “I am delighted our original priority to re-use an old 1950s building already on campus and turn it into an energy-efficient, zero-carbon facility has come to fruition. We were also able to use all local contractors for the design and build of this project, cementing our dedication to the inclusive growth of the East Midlands.”
Individuals with a range of needs will access the facilities, with design features such as height-adjustable kitchen worktops helping reduce the barriers to a more independent lifestyle.
A college spokesperson said: “We are so proud to be able to offer this fantastic opportunity to more residents in the near future and to continue striving to providing even more life-changing opportunities for those with disabilities.”
The vision of Portland Charity is that all people with disabilities will have a lifetime of opportunity. The charity runs an Ofsted Outstanding national specialist residential and day college, a registered care home for people with disabilities, an alternative provision school and delivers a range of employment and mental health support services for adults across Nottinghamshire. It is also a Centre of Excellence for Autism.
Published on: 17 December 2025
Categories: News, Skills and Employment