College seeks community’s views on plans for new £8.6m centre

Bury College has launched plans for an £8.6m centre to expand its offer of health, innovation and related technologies to future students, and the local community.

The proposed purpose-built state-of-the-art centre, which is planned to open in September 2022, will offer individuals the opportunity to train in a range of areas and prepare them for industry in employment sectors of key importance to the Bury and Greater Manchester economies.

The centre will be a welcome addition to the Bury College campus and is a significant financial investment for Bury’s economy.

Funds for the project are supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Department for Education, as well as the college.

Facilities will include a laboratory, simulated hospital ward and simulated domestic home, as well as a digital environment and IT suites to support students in their practical learning.

The building will be a contemporary design which has been informed by high sustainability credentials and utilising materials sympathetic to existing surrounding buildings.

It will provide opportunities for individuals to study courses that support health and nursing professions, innovation and related technologies from advanced to degree level.

This will include the delivery of the Government’s new Health and Digital T Levels which are technical qualifications that offer classroom, practical and on-the-job experience.

As the new centre is in the development stages, the college is inviting the public to share their views, which will help inform the consideration of the proposals as the college enters the planning application phase.