Landmarks Specialist College has begun operating Creswell Heritage and Wellbeing Centre, welcoming learners to the community facility for the first time this September.

The move marks the beginning of a ten-year partnership with Elmton with Creswell Parish Council, bringing together the centre’s established role in the community with new learning and training opportunities for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Importantly, the centre will continue to serve the Creswell community, with Landmarks looking to build on what is already available and encourage greater use of the facilities by residents, groups and local organisations.

Cllr Amanda Davis, Chair of Elmton with Creswell Parish Council, said:

“We are delighted that the council has been able to enter into an innovative and unique partnership with Landmarks Specialist College that will maintain services to the community, maximise value for council tax payers and provide fantastic training opportunities for local young people.”

Learning in the heart of the community

Learners have now begun using the centre as a live learning environment, gaining practical experience within a working community facility.

With a gym, sports hall, café and wellbeing spaces on site, the centre offers opportunities for learners to develop skills across sport and fitness, hospitality, customer service, health and wellbeing.

Larry Brocklesby, Principal and CEO of Landmarks Specialist College, said:

“Our aim is simple: to protect, strengthen and grow this valuable community resource. The centre will remain a community facility and we are committed to increasing its use by local residents, groups, schools, healthcare partners and community organisations.

“As a specialist college for young people with additional needs, we believe the best learning happens through real-life experiences. Our learners will have opportunities to support activities within the centre, helping them develop valuable skills for adulthood and employment.”

This practical approach to education is already well established at Landmarks. At The Archer, the college’s public-facing learning pub in Rainworth, learners work alongside vocationally trained staff while developing hospitality skills in a working environment and serving members of the public.

The Creswell Heritage and Wellbeing Centre will create another environment where learners can put their skills into practice while contributing to the local community.

Building on Creswell’s community facilities

The team at the centre brings together experience in community leisure with Landmarks’ approach to practical education.

Stephen Moore, Manager at Creswell Heritage and Wellbeing Centre, said:

“I’ve worked in community leisure for the last 20 years, and I’m really looking forward to joining Landmarks. I love what they’re doing with the college and the impact this is going to have on our learners. […] I’m also looking forward to continuing to provide affordable community leisure here in Creswell.”

Joe Fletcher, Supervisor at Creswell Heritage and Wellbeing Centre, added:

“I feel like it’s going to be a good step forward. I’m excited to see what this brings to the centre, whether that’s new opportunities, new courses or different ways we can use the facilities. Overall.”

The centre will also provide opportunities for learners preparing for employment through Wayfinder WorkConnect, Landmarks’ supported employment service.

Through Supported Internships, young people can gain experience in real workplaces with personalised support from job coaches, developing the practical and employability skills needed to progress towards their next steps.

Looking to the future

Over the coming years, Landmarks will work alongside Elmton with Creswell Parish Council, residents, existing centre users and local organisations to develop the centre while retaining its important role within the community.

Mr Brocklesby said:

“We look forward to working closely with the Parish Council and local residents over the next decade to ensure the centre becomes an even busier, stronger and more vibrant asset for Creswell. […] For us, the measure of success will be a community facility that serves local residents while creating life-changing opportunities for the learners we support.”