£9m construction centre at Oldham college gets green light

Oldham College construction centre

Plans for a £9m construction centre at Oldham College have been approved.

The state-of-the-art facility – where students will learn the building and trade skills of the future – was approved at a meeting of Oldham Council’s Planning Committee.

This landmark development is crucial to Oldham College’s strategic plans.

The new build two-storey venue will be completed during the 2020/21 academic year – providing an extra 2,296 sq m of specialist teaching and learning space.

A focus on curriculum expansion and delivering higher skills linked closely to employer demand means that students will be able to learn technical trades and higher professional skills through to degree level.

The construction centre also means student numbers are set to increase by 70 per cent at Oldham College – with related apprenticeships also expanding an extra 200 places a year.

For Oldham College – recently shortlisted for College of the Year at the TES FE Awards – this project is also central to preparations for delivering the new T Level qualifications from September 2021 onwards.

Alun Francis, Oldham College Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We’re really excited to have secured planning permission and to be getting on with delivering this excellent new facility.”

“This decision means preparatory works can start on-site this week and, as part of our wider regeneration programme, that will also see the demolition of the outdated Bronte and Bevan buildings.

“This is the next step in cementing our unique position as Oldham’s expert provider of specialist work-related education and training – and it’s integral to our plans to deliver higher skilled qualifications, including the new T Levels, that local employers and industry need.

“This will put our facilities on par with the best across the GM City Region and make Oldham College the best place to learn and study the construction jobs of the future.”

Oldham College has chosen Willmott Dixon, the UK’s leading independent construction and property services company, as its construction partner, and international award-winning AHR as project architects.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is contributing a £6.95m with Oldham College providing the remaining capital funding.

Councillor Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council and the GMCA’s lead for Education and Skills, said: “This is great news for Oldham College – and for our efforts in filling gaps in skills provision and helping to improve productivity across Greater Manchester.”

“This project complements Oldham Council’s own ambitions and regeneration plans for Oldham town centre, and it will also be a significant boost for the local construction industry and local people.

“Working in close partnership with Oldham College and employers, this project is just one of several ways that the GMCA are supporting young people across the City Region to discover their talents, fulfil their potential, and be ready to enter the world of work.”

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