New Science and Animal Care Facilities Open at College of West Anglia’s Cambridge Campus

April 14, 2025

The College of West Anglia (CWA) has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Darwin Building at its Cambridge campus. This is a milestone moment for science and animal care education in the region.

Welcoming guests to the official opening, Kerry Heathcote, Deputy CEO and Vice Principal of Quality and Curriculum, introduced the new space before Dr Nena Skrbic (SFHEA, CMgr MCMI), Head of Initial Teacher Education and Strategic Lead for the Education and Training Consortium at the University of Huddersfield, unveiled the facility. The new building will provide cutting-edge resources for students across a range of departments, supporting practical and progressive learning.

Ms Heathcote said:

“Named after Charles Darwin, a pioneer whose groundbreaking work revolutionised our understanding of life itself, this centre represents not only the spirit of discovery but also the boundless possibilities of bioscience. Here, we aspire to honour Darwin’s legacy by fostering innovation, curiosity, and exploration, empowering our learners to push the boundaries of what is currently known.”

Alison Barber, Head of Faculty Land Based Studies and Cambridge Campus Director, added:

“The Darwin Building has been designed to offer advanced learning environments equipped with a Table Vet anatomage table which offers students a real insight into the anatomy of animals using 3D visualisation. There are also physical anatomical models in equine, canine and feline that will help support the science aspect of the courses more practically, enhancing students’ experience of innovative learning.”

The development has been supported by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), this funding enables colleges and training providers to create new or enhanced training facilities in response to local employer needs. The facility aligns closely with the priorities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which identified the need for stronger technical pathways and practical training in science, animal care, and land-based industries.

Both the LSIP and LSIF are part of the government’s wider strategy to reform post-16 technical education by putting employers at the heart of the system and ensuring that local training provision responds directly to the real skills challenges faced by businesses. The Darwin Building is a strong example of this approach in action: a facility shaped by the demands of the local labour market and designed to support future workforce needs.

The Chamber of Commerce continues to work closely with CWA and other providers across the region to help turn LSIP evidence into real, visible change — whether through curriculum development, facility investment, or stronger collaboration between business and education.

Learn more about how the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough LSIP is supporting employer-led education reform: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/sectors/localskills/