Windfall boosts campus revamp

Askham Bryan College will receive a £1.6 million package to aid the scheme as part of the latest round of Local Enterprise Funding, which saw the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP allocated £110.1m to support the area’s economic growth.

College principal Liz Philip said the funding would ensure the project would make a huge difference to students and the region as a whole.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding,” she said.

“They will make great additions to the campus as part of its £34m redevelopment which is aimed at the Government’s agri-tech strategy.

“It’s great news for the region and a real vote of confidence in the College. It will provide us with the facilities aimed at higher level apprentices and our degree students and will replace some of the existing buildings and provide us with some new ones.”

The College specialises in courses in agriculture and land management and is improving its campus to meet growing demand for places.

Some 450 new students will attend the 700-acre site near York in September. Its new facilities are expected to be opened in time for the beginning of the 2016 academic year, and it is anticipated that all aspects of the campus revamp will be completed in 2017.