Northern College

Year | 2024

Location | Wentworth Castle, Stainborough, Barnsley

Client | Northern College For Adults

Throughout time, Wentworth Castle embodied the spirit of giving—providing refuge for those in need, supporting women seeking advancement, and now opening its doors as Northern College for individuals facing educational barriers hence, what can we do to preserve this legacy of generosity?

Wentworth Castle, a historic Grade-I listed building, stands out from typical grandiose castles by exuding warmth and liveliness. This unique atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for Northern College, where adults pursue education in an environment rich with history. The blend of old architecture and modern furnishings reflects the castle's ongoing relevance, proving that such spaces can serve contemporary needs while preserving their heritage. Northern College is currently seeking to enhance the building's educational potential while addressing urgent restoration needs. Although they have received funding from the local council for educational purposes, significant gaps remain for necessary repairs and conservation efforts. The challenge lies in maintaining the castle's intricate features and external elements while adhering to the strict requirements for Grade-I listed buildings, which dictate careful consideration for any internal and external work.

To address these challenges, Northern College has turned to Live Project from the University of Sheffield for assistance in developing a design proposal that creatively utilizes the building’s heritage for educational and historical engagement. The team recognizes the importance of Northern College not only as a place of learning but also as a site steeped in memories and community significance.

The Live Project team, inspired by the castle’s unique character, aims to digitize its archives and collect stories that capture its rich history. By making this history accessible to the public, they hope to encourage virtual engagement and accessibility. Leveraging their strengths in technology, the students are introducing digital tools such as Matterport and Virtual Reality to study the building and engage current and prospective students. This approach not only fosters interest in education through technology but also demonstrates how modern innovations can support heritage conservation.

The team’s vision is to ensure that Northern College remains relevant in a rapidly changing world, using its heritage as both a learning tool and a source of inspiration. They are committed to making the building’s history accessible, transforming dusty archives into vibrant public resources that invite appreciation of the castle’s architectural significance.

Ultimately, the Live Project group aims to see Wentworth Castle thrive as an educational institution while serving as a beacon of heritage appreciation. By revitalizing its facilities and sharing its history with a broader audience, they hope to cultivate a deeper understanding and love for heritage architecture, ensuring that this treasured site continues to inspire future generations.

Through collaborative efforts, Northern College and the Live Project team are poised to create a sustainable future for Wentworth Castle, balancing the needs of education with the preservation of its historical essence.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the University of Sheffield’s Life Project 16 student team. They have been very proactive and professional in establishing the scope of our project after a very wide brief given by us. They were able to create two pieces of work which will support the College's aspirations in melding of heritage and education alongside scoping out of funding for heritage projects.”

Diane Lawson, Assistant Principal of Student Experience, Northern College.

Credits

Student Team: 

Nada Hasan, Dafni Papadopoulou, Sandra May Ee Lee, Philip Elloway, Roxanne Norris, Muhammad Malik, Camlo Sheppard, Georgina White, Roukan Moustafa, Yuhan Wang, Salma Hemed Nassor Al Hilal

Mentor:

Felipe Lanuza