Where Heritage Meets Innovation

For more than 80 years, Merrist Wood College and University Centre has been preparing students for careers in horticulture, animal management, arboriculture, landscaping, floristry, conservation and countryside industries. 

Today, an exciting new chapter is underway. 

A £22 million redevelopment project, funded by the Department for Education, is transforming the Merrist Wood campus with brand-new specialist learning facilities designed to support the future of land-based education across Surrey and beyond. 

Set within our stunning 430-acre estate, this investment combines Merrist Wood’s rich heritage with modern, industry-standard facilities that will help students develop the practical skills needed for careers in rapidly evolving industries. 

From new teaching buildings to commercial-standard horticultural glasshouses, these spaces are designed to prepare students for careers in sustainability, environmental management and the growing green economy. 

Explore our newest facilities below. 

The Norman Shaw Building 

Built for practical learning 

Located next to our Equine Centre, the Norman Shaw Building is named after renowned Victorian architect Richard Norman Shaw, who designed the original Merrist Wood House in the 1870s. 

This purpose-built facility has been designed to support some of Merrist Wood’s most specialist curriculum areas through hands-on, industry-relevant training spaces. 

Students will benefit from: 

  • Double-height arboriculture classrooms, where a climbing wall is due to be installed for specialist training  
  • Large machinery workshops with enough space to drive tractors and specialist equipment directly inside  
  • Equine science laboratories  
  • Landscaping workshops designed to replicate real industry environments  

These facilities ensure students gain practical experience using professional-standard equipment in spaces built to reflect their future careers. 

The Peyto Shrubb Building 

Honouring our heritage 

Situated behind our Animal Management Centre, the Peyto Shrubb Building is named after Charles Peyto Shrubb, whose family once owned the Merrist Wood estate and commissioned the historic house that remains at the heart of the campus today. 

This new facility creates exciting opportunities for students across multiple curriculum areas through specialist training spaces. 

Features include: 

  • A professional pet grooming centre  
  • Specialist countryside and horticulture workshops  
  • A dedicated IT learning space that reflects the growing role of technology within land-based industries  

This blend of practical and digital learning spaces ensures students are prepared for the future of their industries. 

New Commercial Glasshouses 

Growing the future 

Our brand-new glasshouses represent a major investment in the future of horticultural education at Merrist Wood College and University Centre. 

Built to commercial standards, these facilities provide students with hands-on experience using modern growing technologies and sustainable horticultural practices. 

The development includes: 

  • Four independently climate-controlled glasshouses that allow students to grow plants in different environments  
  • Specialist classrooms designed for planting and propagation  
  • New polytunnels  
  • Dedicated shade tunnels  

These facilities help prepare students for careers in horticulture, landscaping, environmental management and the wider green economy.

Investing in the future of land-based education

“These new facilities represent a huge investment in the future of land-based education and in the opportunities available to young people within our local community.” 

— Jo Manser, Group Director, Merrist Wood College and University Centre

This redevelopment ensures future generations of students will continue to learn, grow and thrive in an environment built for the careers of tomorrow.