A group of Hull sixth form students are using state-of-the-art technology skills to help create a visual walkthrough of the world’s first purpose-built centre of its kind for veterans.
Year 12 engineering students from Ron Dearing University Technology College (UTC) in Hull are assisting in the creation of a virtual reality tour of the Hull 4 Heroes Veterans Village.
The village is a self-sustaining site providing transitional support for ex-service personnel and their families, creating a safe and stable environment to help them adjust to civilian life.
Championed by TV celebrity Nick Knowles, it will include housing, training and support facilities, as well as a visitors’ centre for the wider community.
With the support of Hull City Council and East Riding Council, the Hull 4 Heroes charity has secured a 22-acre site next to Priory Road in Hull, extending into the boundaries of both authorities.
Seven Ron Dearing UTC students are involved in the project outside their usual school studies after completing their computer-aided design unit to distinction level months ahead of schedule – with more students expected to join over the coming months.
Working with Hodson Architects, the students are using the architectural design drawings to bring the Veterans Village to life.
Glenn Jensen, head of engineering and employer-led projects at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “This is the first time our students have been involved a project like this, particularly at this level, and the skills and software they are using have been identified as critical in the architecture and building industries.”
It is inspired by the work on the BBC One’s popular DIY SOS programme, presented by Knowles.
The project will include 48 homes for individuals or families, which they can live in and access tailored support for up to two years. It is hoped this village will be the first of many and the model will help veterans transition back into civilian life for decades to come.
Sixteen-year-old Josh Lake, a Year 12 student involved in the project, said: “It’s an amazing experience and I’m learning new skills for the future. The Veterans Village is a great idea and I’m really proud to be involved.”