Boston College proudly opens the Mayflower, a state-of-the-art learning centre transforming further education and community engagement in Boston.
Developed as part of the Boston Town Deal, the Mayflower has been made possible with £9.9million in government funding, alongside £725,000 in capital co-funding and £5,546,000 in revenue costs committed by the College over five years. This 1,940 sqm building is a landmark for the town, designed to tackle skills gaps and support Boston’s economic revitalisation.
The Mayflower provides inclusive education while offering public spaces for the wider community. Students and residents can access business units for start-ups, conference and digital hub facilities, and amenities including a café, restaurant, and hair and beauty salon, where students gain hands-on experience. Voluntary services, careers advice, and skills development opportunities further establish the Mayflower as a true community hub.
Since opening on 10th November, the Mayflower has hosted large-scale ceremonies and provided flexible learning and event spaces. Catering and Hospitality students were first to settle in, gaining practical experience in the building’s kitchens and restaurant, and Higher Education students are now using its modern learning spaces. The College’s renowned restaurant, Eden, has also relocated to the building, while the new café 1620 – named after the year the Mayflower sailed to America – is now open. The College’s Hair and Beauty salon will open shortly, featuring updated branding to match its new home.
Lynette Leith OBE, Boston College Principal and CEO of Boston College said, “I am absolutely thrilled at the opening of the Mayflower building. This investment marks an exciting innovation in skills, and community inclusion. By bringing students, employers and local partners together under one roof, we’re creating new opportunities that will benefit our learners, our neighbourhoods and the wider business economy for years to come. At the college we are both excited and proud to bring this new concept to life”
Claire Foster, Interim Chair of Boston Town Board said: “I am absolutely delighted to see this flagship building now finally launched, providing high-quality space and facilities to meet the needs of students, businesses, and the local community. Supporting skills and aspirations has been a key theme of the Towns Fund programme in Boston and The Mayflower fully reflects this with a building that will allow people to access learning opportunities that help them to realise their own ambitions. The Mayflower is an inspiring, unique space that is truly transformational for learning in the town. It will make a significant impact for local people in the months and years ahead. I am personally thrilled that our dream became a reality – the hard work and tenacity of the Boston College team has paid off.”
Located on the former Ingelow Centre site, the Mayflower was designed by YMD Boon and constructed by R G Carter, with design features celebrating Boston’s maritime heritage, including artwork depicting the historic Mayflower shipping route.
Shari Setayesh, Director & Architect, YMD Boon said, “From the earliest stages of the Town Deal vision, it has been a privilege for YMD Boon to work alongside Boston College to help shape, design, and deliver the Mayflower for the town of Boston. Our involvement from the project’s infancy enabled us to support the College in securing vital funding and design a space that is both ambitious and deeply rooted in local identity, celebrating Boston’s heritage while creating flexible, modern environments for learners and residents. Seeing the building now open and already making an impact is truly inspiring, and we are proud to have played a role in helping bring this transformative vision to life.”
Neal Wheatley, Director and General Manager of R G Carter Lincoln said, “It has been a challenging yet rewarding project for our team, helping to deliver Boston College’s vision to reality. This complex and striking design has enabled us to showcase our technical and construction expertise as the building progressed from plans to the final vision. It’s fantastic to see the space is already benefiting students and creating the perfect space for education and business to thrive.”
An important aspect of the Mayflower is that it is not just for students – local businesses and organisations can hire the state-of-the-art business offices and conference facilities, offering flexible spaces for meetings, events, and collaborative projects. For bookings, contact mayflowerinfo@boston.ac.uk
An official opening celebration is planned for late January 2026, bringing together the College, community, business partners, and stakeholders. As Boston College celebrates its 60th year, the Mayflower stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when education, community regeneration, and architectural vision come together.
