New Creative Hub for Calderdale College opens at Dean Clough

A new digital creative skills hub has launched for students at Dean Clough, the famous mill complex in Halifax. Mill Studios is now home to over 60 students studying at Calderdale College on advanced digital media and creative industries courses.

It’s a space where technology meets hands on learning and it’s going to be a game changer for creative education in the area.

What’s so special about Mill Studios?

At its heart Mill Studios is a high tech immersive environment. Whether you’re into film and TV production, games design or esports this new hub has everything you need to bring your creative projects to life. From top of the range design and editing software to high spec filming equipment students 16+ will be learning with the same tools used in professional studios.

But it’s not just about the tech. The space also has collaborative areas where students can come together for events, exhibitions or networking with industry professionals. This blend of creative work and real world engagement will ensure students are career ready for rapidly growing sectors like games development and digital media.

Why Dean Clough?

Dean Clough isn’t just a nice location for the college. The 22 acre business and cultural destination has been a hotbed of creativity and innovation for years. With art galleries, theatres and thriving businesses it’s the perfect place for students to link their learning to real world opportunities.

David Malone, Calderdale College’s Principal and CEO said:

“We are lucky to have Dean Clough on board, their spacious and professional space is perfect for our students to flourish and succeed in these growing industries.”

This isn’t a one off. Calderdale College has been working with Dean Clough Galleries and its associated arts charity so students can showcase their work in one of the UK’s largest private galleries, the Crossley Gallery.

Building for the future

Mill Studios is part of the solution to the national skills gap in the creative industries. The hub was funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and the college itself. LSIF is a programme to address shortages in skilled workers by matching education to employer need. For students at Mill Studios, that means the skills they’re learning – whether in esports, film or game design – are directly applicable to jobs in the creative sector.

Jeremy Hall, Chairman and Managing Director at Dean Clough, said:

“The environment at Dean Clough is a hub for creative skills learning with other occupiers including Pinc College neurodiverse learning centre, Chef Benson Smith Academy for culinary skills and our resident ACDC Art School.”

This adds to the value for students who will be using Mill Studios. In short, it’s more than a classroom – it’s a career starter.

A creative ecosystem

Dean Clough’s importance goes beyond its relationship with Calderdale College. It’s a cultural hub in its own right with Northern Broadsides, a world renowned theatre company and IOU Creation Centre which explores the intersection of art, engineering and technology.

The venue is also becoming a popular filming location for big productions. Last year Dean Clough hosted the British Urban Film Festival (BUFF) for the first time outside of London. And if you’re a fan of TV shows like Happy Valley or Marvel’s Secret Invasion you’ve already seen the mills in action.

All this has made Halifax “Culturedale” – a name for the town’s growing arts and media reputation. Calderdale College at Dean Clough will cement this further.

What does this mean for students?

For students at Mill Studios the benefits are clear: real world experience in a fully immersed creative environment. Professional facilities, a creative buzz and links to businesses and practicing artists = education to employment.

By the time they graduate they’ll have skills, experience, connections. They’ll have worked on real projects, learned from professionals and be ready to start their career. That’s what Calderdale College means by job ready.

A Creative Hub for the Future

As more students join Mill Studios in the coming years, Calderdale College plans to continue expanding its course offerings. Already, the College provides foundation and BA degree courses in the arts, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With the digital and creative industries growing rapidly, particularly in Yorkshire and the North of England, facilities like Mill Studios are crucial in ensuring that young people have the skills they need to succeed.

The newly revamped spaces at Dean Clough provide the perfect environment for learning and growth, where heritage and innovation come together to create something truly special.

For those lucky enough to study at Calderdale College, the future looks brighter than ever.