THE £50m redevelopment of Calderdale College's campus in Halifax is a step closer to becoming a reality after a detailed planning application was submitted.
Key features of the new building on Francis Street, include a three-storey glass-roofed atrium, classrooms, workshops and a learning resource centre with IT systems and a wireless network throughout. There will also be social areas for students and a
refectory.
A theatre, dance studios and commercial salon providing work experience for hair and beauty students will be on the ground floor.
Around 80 per cent of student activity will take place on the
site which will include a sports hall, all-weather pitch and two grass pitches to support Calderdale College's sports academies.
The seven-storey Percival Whitley Centre, on the lower side of Francis Street, will be replaced by a smaller building rising from two to three storeys.
The adjoining Creative and Conservation Skills Centre, opened in 2004 will remain. The buildings on each side of Francis Street will be linked by an elevated covered walkway to provide a unified college environment.
Chris Jones, principal of Calderdale College, said: "This is a blueprint for a centre of vocational excellence."
Calderdale Council's planning committee has 13 weeks to consider the full planning application. If successful, the plans will pass to the regional and national Learning & Skills Councils for final approval in April 2009 and it is hoped construction work will begin at the end of April 2009.
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