East Riding College opens new Hull Campus 

East Riding College has officially opened its Baker Street campus in Hull with Guest of Honour, Emma Hardy, MP, who officially opened the new venue for Music, Performing Arts and a variety of courses for adults to upskill for the workplace. 

The completely refurbished Baker St building – which appropriately used to house the well-known Hull night spot The Rhythm Room – is dedicated to Music and Performing Arts courses for students studying post-GCSE and up to degree level. The college campus, conveniently situated close to Hull’s rail and bus interchange, boasts purpose-built studios and workshops. The building also houses bright, spacious teaching and break-out rooms for adults to upskill in areas as broad as First Aid, food manufacture, management and leadership right in the heart of the city. 

Guest of honour, Emma Hardy MP, whilst officially opening the building, praised the work that is going on there to open doors for all in their learning: “The arts are for everyone, and the arts should be available for everyone. So having this facility here in our city able to give those opportunities to all of you is really important.” 

“This place is more than just a centre for performing arts and a place for you all to develop into the wonderful young people you are all going to be; this is a place that gives everybody a chance to develop into the career they want.” 

“In life sometimes you start with one career then you might get another one so having the chance to come here to develop new skills for a new career is exactly what we need in this city. Having a chance to reskill, upskill and learn is exactly what we should be doing.”

Prue Gibson, Campus Principal, said: 

“This building is more than bricks and mortar—it is a creative hub where talent will flourish, ideas will take shape, and the next generation of performers and musicians will find their voice.”   

Jamie Green, Executive Director of National Employer Training, said: 

“This campus represents a strategic investment in Hull—an investment in skills, in people, and in the future workforce of this city. Through our unemployment provision, we see the real challenges individuals face when trying to re-enter the labour market. But we also see the potential. Our programmes are designed to unlock that potential by providing industry-relevant training, practical support, and clear progression routes into employment.” 

Emily, Performing Arts student said: 

“I really enjoy having our own campus, it is quite a small place, you get to have your own space and express your creativity.  Also talking with the music students is really good, you get to mingle and see each other’s experiences, it’s lovely getting to know everyone and the tutors are really lovely. I feel like I am improving every single day and it’s a great experience to take away for the future, I think it is really going to help me.” 

Caelan, Performing Arts student said: 

“It feels like a good space where everyone can feel included and get on with each other and as we all have similar passions and share creativity. All of us get on, it’s a lovely time every day and enjoy getting to perform with others, then going on break and speaking with the music students. People are at different stages and experiences but we all still get on and we use that to blend and create something really well.”