Calderdale College opens digital creative hub at Dean Clough to boost skills development

Calderdale College has opened a new digital and creative skills hub named Mill Studios at Dean Clough in Halifax, UK. 

The space, which has undergone a major transformation, welcomed over 60 first-year students for the start of the academic term, offering a range of high-tech learning opportunities in film and TV production, games design, esports, and editing.

The new 12,834-square-foot centre is equipped with the latest technology, providing students aged 16 and over with dedicated studios for filming, gaming, and design work. In addition to learning spaces, the facility includes collaborative areas for exhibitions, events, and opportunities for engaging with industry professionals.

This project was made possible through a combination of funding from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and Calderdale College’s own investment. The LSIF aims to address skill shortages by aligning training with employer needs and giving young people the skills necessary for employment and career progression.

David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive of Calderdale College, highlighted the importance of the new facility:

 “I am delighted to announce the official opening of Mill Studios at Dean Clough, a significant milestone for Calderdale College and our commitment to delivering cutting-edge education in the digital and creative industries. Mill Studios offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to support the growth and development of key areas such as computer games design, esports, and TV and film production.”

He added, “We are incredibly fortunate to have partnered with Dean Clough, whose spacious and professional venue provides the ideal environment for our students to thrive and excel in these fast-growing industries. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jeremy and everyone at Dean Clough for their unwavering support throughout this project. Their collaboration has been instrumental in bringing Mill Studios to life, and I am confident that this partnership will open new doors for both our students and the broader creative community in Calderdale.”

Dean Clough: A hub for creativity and education

Dean Clough, a 22-acre business and cultural destination in the heart of Halifax, hosts more than 150 businesses and employs over 3,000 people. It has become a hub for commerce and the arts in Calderdale, featuring art galleries and theatre spaces. 

Calderdale College also utilises additional space at Dean Clough for its Creative Arts Foundation and BA Degree courses. The partnership with Dean Clough Galleries and Arts Charity allows students to collaborate with practising artists and showcase their work annually at the Crossley Gallery.

Jeremy Hall, Chairman and Managing Director of Dean Clough, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: 

“We are excited to see the opening of Mill Studios as an expansion of Calderdale College’s educational facilities here at Dean Clough, which is fast emerging as a centre of excellence for creative industries."

He continued, “At Dean Clough, we have invested many years in repurposing the fabric of a very important heritage site to create a sustainable, vibrant and diverse business hub and cultural amenity. Our well-established art galleries, theatre spaces, and creative business operators offer real-life experiences for students and emerging talent with strong career opportunities.”

Dean Clough is home to a variety of cultural facilities, including one of the UK’s largest private art galleries and a unique underground theatre. It also hosts the theatre company Northern Broadsides and the IOU Creation Centre, which focuses on contemporary art, technology, and engineering.

Dean Clough has gained recognition as a filming location for major productions, such as Happy Valley, The Gallows Pole, and Marvel’s Secret Invasion. It has also recently hosted the British Urban Film Festival (BUFF), marking its first event outside London.

Reflecting on the impact of this partnership, Hall concluded: “The environment at Dean Clough is a magnet for creative skills learning with other occupiers including neurodiverse learning centre Pinc College, Chef Benson Smith Academy for culinary skills, and our resident ACDC Art School that serves the local community with a wonderful selection of courses.”