Easton College announces £1.35m investment in agriculture and padel facilities
23rd October 2026
Easton College has unveiled plans to invest £1.35 million in a major programme of campus improvements, strengthening its position as a leading provider of land-based and sport education.
The investment forms part of the college's Future Ready programme and will see significant developments in both agricultural facilities and sports provision, ensuring learners have access to industry-standard environments that reflect the needs of modern employers.
A total of £850,000 will be invested over the next two years to modernise Easton College's Model Farm, representing the largest investment in the college's agricultural facilities for over two decades. The project will deliver a new cattle shed, manure store, straw shed and upgraded cattle handling systems, creating a modern, efficient and sustainable farming operation that will support increased livestock numbers and expand practical learning opportunities for students throughout the academic year.
The improvements will enable more hands-on training across the college's agriculture and land-based curriculum, ensuring students gain experience of the technologies, systems and practices used across today's farming industry.
Agriculture students at Easton College herding cattle on the meadow. Photo Easton College.
Alongside this, £500,000 will be invested in the creation of Easton Rackets Centre, combining the college's existing tennis provision with two new covered padel courts for student and community use. The development will form part of Easton College's Centre of Excellence for Sport and respond to the growing popularity of padel across the UK.
The new facility will provide students with access to professional-standard facilities while creating opportunities to develop practical skills in coaching, officiating, event management and sports science activities. In addition, students will benefit from direct engagement with coaches, employers and community participants through a real operating environment.
Proposed imagery of the new padel courts being developed at Easton College. Photo KNOWN Architecture Limited.
The investment is being funded through strategic use of college reserves to support the long-term development of Easton campus and its facilities.
Jen Eves, Interim Chief Executive, said:
This £1.35 million investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing exceptional facilities and experiences for our students while supporting the industries and communities we serve. The improvements to our Model Farm represent the most significant investment in our agricultural facilities for a generation and will ensure students are learning in an environment that reflects the realities of modern, sustainable farming.
At the same time, the creation of Easton Rackets Centre will expand opportunities for students studying sport and related disciplines, giving them hands-on experience in a thriving and fast-growing sector, while providing a fantastic new padel facility for the people of Norfolk.
"Together, these projects reinforce our Future Ready ambitions by ensuring our learners have access to the facilities, industry engagement and practical experiences they need to succeed in their future careers."
The developments are expected to further strengthen Easton College's reputation for delivering technical and professional education while supporting regional skills growth across both the agricultural and sport sectors.