Go-ahead for £5.8m expansion at Shrewsbury College
Shrewsbury College has been granted planning permission for the final stage of a £15 million redevelopment.
Work worth about £5.8m to extend the facilities at the college's main campus on London Road will now get under way and is due to be completed by September in time for the new academic year.
The redevelopment of the college has already involved a new commercial restaurant, Origins, and training kitchens, a new Business and Computing Centre and a state-of-the-art Engineering and Construction centre.
From September this year, the college will also have a new cutting-edge commercial hair and beauty salon, health and social care facilities, the installation of a modern multi-use 3G sports pitch and a remodelling and upgrading of the existing building, including a new entrance/reception area.
Mike Burton, head of estates at the college, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the college to expand its facilities and introduce a refreshing new look to the campus and, more importantly, offer more opportunities for the students and local businesses."
Steve Wain, principal at Shrewsbury College, said: "I am delighted we can now move on to the next stage of the college's estates development."
He added: "We are always striving to improve the learning environment and facilities for our students, as well as developing close links with local businesses. We hope the new and exciting developments will benefit everyone, including the local community."
The college also announced late last year that it is strengthening its links with Severndale Specialist Academy and Foundation. Learning will be delivered in the new Futures Centre delivering courses to develop employability and independence skills with a range of vocational activity, at London Road campus, later this year.
Chris Davies, principal at Severndale Academy, said: "Our working relationship with the college has strengthened over the last two years and we are delighted that this new building will improve opportunities for all students."
The college recently joined forces with Heart of England Fine Foods, who have also moved their Taste Kitchen and Local Food Store to the London Road site.
In the first phase of works in 2011, the college completed a £3 million upgrade of its London Road campus, which included the refurbishment of the Engineering and Construction Centre. The ribbon was cut by TV star Kate Bellingham, the former Tomorrow's World presenter.
