The Mayflower

YMD Boon has worked closely with Boston College for the past eight years, initially creating a masterplan and 10-year project pipeline based on their existing assets across all campuses and their utilisation rates.

The College aimed to establish a ‘Centre of Health and Education’ for Boston. To achieve this, we proposed repurposing the Ingelow building, situated near the current leisure facility, and extending and refurbishing the leisure centre as a separate project with the Council.

To unlock the Ingelow building, we worked with the College to develop a concept for re-using redundant student accommodation apartments as a new SEND centre, located in the heart of the main campus. This freed space for the Mayflower building, which now embodies the College’s vision for inclusive education, community engagement, and leisure.

We supported the College in securing Boston Town Funding as part of the Town Deal. YMD Boon assisted with the business case, analysed wider community benefits, and provided strategic advice throughout the funding process. Our masterplan and feasibility work helped demonstrate the transformational impact of the scheme, contributing to the successful allocation of part of the £21.9 million Town Deal funding to deliver the Mayflower project alongside the leisure centre refurbishment.

Key design features include a large central atrium with botanical gardens, a nature-filled open-plan environment, and architectural references to the original Mayflower ship, creating an inspiring, sustainable, and inclusive space for students and the wider community.

The Mayflower is set to become a vibrant, multi-use learning hub, redefining what a college can be. The centre provides spaces where students, businesses, and the wider community can connect, collaborate, and innovate, fostering opportunities for digital upskilling, career development, and health and well-being support. It will house University-Level and Catering & Hospitality students, alongside EDEN, a student-led fine-dining restaurant, and the Style Academy professional training salon, both open to the public.

The project has already made a significant economic impact, with 39% of construction orders placed locally, £550k+ spent with local suppliers, and £2 million in social value generated.