Eric Wright bags £4.4m college contract

PRESTON-based Eric Wright Construction, a division of the Eric Wright Group, has been appointed to build the £4.4m University Technical College in Wigan.

Situated in the former Rushton Mill, the college will specialise in food production, green energy and recycling.

UTCs are new 14-19-year-old state schools with a vocational focus and private sector backing.

The one in Wigan has been supported by University of Central Lancashire, Wigan & Leigh College and companies including Heinz and Ainscough Group.

Due to open in September 2013, work will include refurbishing the 40,000 sq ft mill, demolishing an annexe and building in its place a three-storey 6,000 sq ft extension.

Keith Knott, project manager at Eric Wright, said: “We have extensive experience in the education sector and are excited to be involved with a project that will transform learning for young people in the local area and beyond.”

The scheme has been designed by Rochdale architects Nightingale Associates and contractors are expected on site within the next month.