Demolition signals 'new beginning' for college

College governors have approved the first of a five-phase development for the campus that will eventually see large-scale changes to the college.

Chairman Joan Brier said: "This building is very significant for the college and for Rotherham, in showing that no matter what difficulties are put in front of us we are prepared to work tirelessly to give our community the best possible facilities.

"We hope that it will not be too long before further phases of the development follow and we will have the 21st-century collegeour students and staffdeserve. The demolition of the Starting Point building is the new beginning."

Rotherham-based demolition specialist Ron Hull has been appointed to carry out the work, which will be completed in time for new students arriving at the college in September.

Construction of the new building is planned to begin in November and should be completed in time for next summer.

Elaine Woodhams, interim principal and chief executive at Rotherham College, said: "This is an important first step in the college's quest to continually update and maintain first class learning facilities for Rotherham students."

David Wall, commercial director of Ron Hull Demolition, said the demolition should take seven weeks to complete.

He added: "We would assure traders and local people that we will be doing everything we can to keep disruption to an absolute minimum."