‘Strong interest’ expressed in former college site

Doncaster’s former High Speed Rail College/National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure (NCATI) building, at Lakeside, could have a new lease of life if ongoing negotiations bear fruit.

The college was launched in 2017 to train students in the skills to work on HS2 and other big infrastructure schemes.

But it closed earlier this summer due to low student numbers, with the loss of more than 40 jobs. 

This week, Councillor Lani-Mae Ball, City of Doncaster Council’s cabinet member for early help, education, skills and young people, has issued an update on the future of the site.

She said: “Since Cabinet considered an update report in July, we have been working hard to find a partner for the site that would be true to its original purpose –  deeply rooted in skills, training and learning.

“We are determined to continue this educational use of the site and have been having a range of discussions with those potential partners.

“I am pleased with the positive nature of the conversations and we have had very strong interest. I hope to share further news as soon as we conclude negotiations.

“It is very encouraging that this site is an attractive proposition to develop a new and exciting offer which supports local strategic plans for skills and economy and on the back of the news around a second UTC in Doncaster further underlines our commitment to grow and develop a range of opportunities in our city.”