Peterborough was already an important railway centre providing a great deal of work for the populace, but with all this industry there was no local provision for training.

Classes were held all over the city but, in 1946, temporary premises were erected on land in Garton End Road to provide space for engineering subjects.

In the following years four more building instalments were made and the developments were the result of a collaboration between the firms of the area, the county council and the principal and governors of the college.

Computing courses for those trying to get back into employment or wishing to update skills, together with a range of literacy and numeracy classes, were previously run from the Corn Exchange in the city centre.

The Media Centre also moved from Hightrees, adjacent to the main site on Eastfield Road, to purpose-built premises on Broadway with industry standard facilities.

The joint venture company, limited by guarantee, was managed by an equal number of directors from both partner institutions who were responsible for the academic and operational running of the centre.