Burton students celebrate Sinai Coach House restoration at ribbon-cutting ceremony

Burton and South Derbyshire College students have celebrated the completion of the Sinai Coach House restoration project at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Burton and South Derbyshire College students, Sinai Park House Trustees and local dignitaries came together on Friday 26th June to celebrate the culmination of an ambitious restoration project that has provided invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for local construction students.

A special ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the Sinai Coach House restoration project and officially opened the building as an office for the Sinai Park House Trust.

The students, BSDC Construction Course Leader, Ian Vanes-Jones and guests, including Pritpal Singh Nagi MBE DL, High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Councillor Andrew Riley, Mayor of Branston Town Council and Jacob Collier, MP for Burton and Uttoxeter gathered for introductions and speeches, highlighting the achievements of the students and project.

The official joint ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by photographs and an opportunity for attendees to view the completed restoration works.

Over the past two years, the Burton and South Derbyshire College students have played a central role in the project, gaining practical experience across a wide range of trades including joinery, brickwork, roofing, electrics, plumbing, decorating and conservation work.

Amongst the various project milestones were the restoration of the roof and chimney, bricklaying and re-pointing work, installing electrics and lighting, creation of an access ramp, plumbing and drainage, plastering work, installation of glazing, restoration of the coach house doors and even archaeology, as the project uncovered various hidden treasures across the site.

The students’ skilled efforts and continued support have ensured the transformation of the coach house into a functional space, while carefully preserving its historic character.

The project has also been made possible through the generous support and contributions of materials and resources from businesses both locally and nationally including, St Modwen Group, Staffordshire Access Scaffolding, Harlow Timber Group, MKM, the Luceco Group, Kraus Flooring, V33, Liberon and Burg Wächter.

BSDC Construction Course Leader, Ian Vanes Jones says, “This kind of on-site access to an historic building and live restoration project is invaluable experience for the students and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with and support their learning over the last twenty-four months.

These students will go into their future careers with first-hand heritage experience that makes them stand out from their contemporaries. They should be very proud of the standard of work they have achieved and to know they have preserved a piece of Burton’s history.”

Attending on the day, Pritpal Singh Nagi MBE DL, High Sheriff of Staffordshire comments, "It has been a pleasure to visit Sinai Park House for the first time and to take part in this special ribbon-cutting ceremony. This project demonstrates the value of investing in both our historic buildings and our young people.

The students involved should be immensely proud of their contribution, skills and dedication. The Coach House restoration project demonstrates the value of investing in both our historic buildings and our young people.”

Councillor Andrew Riley, Mayor of Branston Town Council, comments, "It is a genuine privilege and a very proud moment to be part of such a significant occasion today, celebrating not only the restoration of an important historic building but also the remarkable partnership that has made it possible.

Meeting the Trustees, college instructors and, most importantly, the students was a real highlight of the day. Their dedication, craftsmanship and enthusiasm were evident throughout the Coach House, and their achievements should be a source of great pride. The practical skills and experience they have gained through this project will undoubtedly benefit them throughout their future careers, whilst leaving a lasting legacy for our local heritage.

It was also an honour to join the High Sheriff and our local Member of Parliament in recognising the outstanding contribution that everyone involved has made. The project perfectly demonstrates what can be achieved when education, heritage organisations and the wider community work together towards a shared vision."

Level 3 Site Carpentry student Harrison Curl said: "It’s been brilliant. I’ve been coming here to complete my work experience since I started my Level 2 course, so to see everything come together has been amazing. It’s really rewarding to see all our hard work pay off."

Since completing his course in May, Harrison has secured a role as a technician at the Stephen Burke Construction Academy at Burton and South Derbyshire College.

Reflecting on the opportunity to return to Sinai as a member of staff and support future student projects, Harrison said:

"It’ll be great to show students what we’ve achieved so far. I know exactly how they’ll feel when they start working on a real-life project, and I hope it inspires them. This kind of work experience gives you the confidence and practical skills you need to help you get where you want to be."

Sinai Park House custodian, Kate Murphy added: "The completion of the project is a significant milestone for the Sinai Park House Trust and a proud moment for everyone involved. The commitment, enthusiasm and craftsmanship shown by the students has been outstanding, and we are incredibly grateful to Burton and South Derbyshire College and the students who have helped bring this vision to life.

This project demonstrates the power of local partnerships and shows how heritage buildings can provide meaningful learning opportunities."

The Coach House project is the latest in a series of live builds undertaken by BSDC students at Sinai with previous projects including the creation of an outdoor classroom, the restoration of the Georgian plunge pool and holy well and the repair of the bridge over the moat.

The restored coach house now stands as a lasting example of successful collaboration between education, heritage and the local community, taking the trust one step closer to ensuring that an important part of the area's history can continue to be enjoyed and appreciated for years to come.

For more information about Sinai Park House visit https://sinaiparkhouse.co.uk/