A college is celebrating the end of refurbishments at its new site, which is also a hub of youth activity.

All pupils at Mayfield College will be enjoying their learning together from September following the completion of building works at Parkfield’s MyPlace site.

The second and final phase of works to refurbish the building in Paignton has now finished.

The project was funded by High Needs Capital Allocations which is government money paid to local councils to support new places and improve existing provision for children with SEND or who require alternative provision.

It comes as People’s Parkfield CIC – which manages the wider Parkfield site and the older Parkfield House building closer to Paignton seafront – prepares to host an open day for young people during next week’s half-term break.

Devon-based construction firm Mercury carried out this phase of the works at the college. It has transformed the interior spaces into multi-functional teaching and extra-curricular activity areas.

The sports hall, climbing wall and classrooms remain as spaces for the community to use in the evenings, weekends and school holidays.

Last year, Mayfield began a staggered move from its Occombe House site, which it has outgrown. The remaining students will be based at Parkfield from September.

Space became available at MyPlace when the Medical Tuition Service announced it would be relinquishing its lease. It provides education for children who can’t attend school due to medical reasons.

Parkfield was built as a dedicated space for community youth services and includes a BMX track, skate park and the MyPlace building.

The People’s Parkfield open day takes place on Wednesday 27 May from 2pm until 8pm.

Children and young people can get taster sessions at the BMX track, where there will be registered coaches on hand to provide instruction and encouragement.

People’s Parkfield hopes there will be interest from the local community to start up a BMX club.

Other attractions at the open day include inflatables, the YMCA youth van, a skate jam, smoothie bike and music.

Organisations attending include Reach Outdoors, the Brownies, Active Devon, YMCA South Devon, Sound Communities, Cycle Torbay, the Friends of Parkfield House and People's Parkfield CIC. The school’s toilet facilities will be available.

Rachel Hawthorne, Head of Mayfield College, said: “The move of Mayfield College students from Occombe House to the Parkfield site has been exceptional. The new environment is not only visually impressive but has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of our learners. Its location has significantly supported the development of student independence and confidence.

“The improvements to the site have been a considerable asset. In particular, the enhanced workshop and art spaces now fully enable students to engage meaningfully in their vocational learning, supporting both skill development and future pathways.

“In addition, the site has strengthened our role within the local community. We have been able to open our doors to a wide range of groups and clubs, both during the college day and beyond, fostering inclusive community engagement and providing valuable real-world opportunities for our students.”

Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This is a brilliant project which has already brought MyPlace to life. It’s now being used as a truly inspirational home for Mayfield College as well as a base for multi-generational activity. Thanks to all who have been involved in this project, which has been completed on time and on budget.

“The improvements to the building will be beneficial for students and staff and it will be so good for the whole college community to finally come together under one roof from September.

“The entire site was always intended to be used for community youth services and I hope the open day will inspire young people to go along and find out what’s available for them there.”

Larissa Conman, business development manager at Mercurcy Construction, said: “As principal contractor, Mercury Construction was pleased to deliver the final phase of this refurbishment project. We developed a strong collaborative working relationship with the college and council teams throughout, which supported the safe and efficient delivery of the works, whilst the college remained fully operational. The project was completed on time and within budget.

“Alongside the construction programme, a further focus of the project was the delivery of social value across Torbay. This included facilitating 169 local apprenticeship hours, support for local skills and employment, engagement with our supply chain on equality, diversity and inclusion awareness, and volunteer activity to improve the People’s Parkfield garden.

“We also funded a community arts day in January for Mayfield students and young people using the skatepark, delivered by Sound Communities with support from supply chain partners HEI Group and O’Neill and Holman, featuring mural painting and music activity. These outcomes were delivered in alignment with the Build Torbay framework, of which Mercury is a member, and reflect a commitment to creating lasting benefit beyond the construction work. We will continue to strengthen links between the construction industry and the communities in which we work.”

Watch a video about Mayfield