College unveils redevelopment project

This new scheme replaces the building programme which was cancelled last year after the failure of the Learning and Skills Council's funding programme which affected colleges throughout the UK.

The new proposals are to be presented at a community consultation event at the college on Wednesday from 4-7 pm. They will then be submitted to Calderdale Council's planning committee while awaiting final approval from the Learning and Skills Council.

The college has independently secured finance of 6.6m for phase one of the proposals, which include a sports hall, fitness suite, dance studio and an all-weather pitch to support the college's growing football, rugby and dance academies.

These facilities would be available for community use.

In addition, a new entrance and atrium for buildings on the west side of Francis Street, on the present Princess Mary site, would be linked to the main Percival Whitley entrance on the east side by an external landscaped connection.

There would also be a new entrance to the main site, partial refurbishment of the ground floor and redecoration throughout.

Phase one is expected to take one year to complete and it is hoped disruption to teaching will be minimal.

Phase two, for which the college is still seeking finance but which will go through for planning consent with phase one, would be a new three-storey teaching block and state of the art IT learning resource centre alongside the new sports hall.

Longer term plans could include a new construction centre and eventually, full refurbishment of the Percival Whitley building.

College principal Chris Jones said: "Funding is already in place for phase one and we are confident that, if approved, these proposals will provide Calderdale with enhanced facilities for learning and the development of skills.

"This is a forward-looking, progressive and flexible plan which, if approved, will provide a fantastic new facility for the people of Calderdale."

Last year the revamp of Calderdale College had to be halted because of a funding failure.

The plan to rebuild the college was one of 79 across the country thrown into jeopardy after Ministers admitted the national programme had not been handled properly.