College a step closer

NEW LOOK. . . How the college will look if plans are agreed

OLDHAM College has submitted a planning application for its £70 million facelift.

Seven buildings will be demolished at the 27,000 sq metre campus which has 10,000 students and 400 staff.

They will be replaced by six buildings housing world-class learning facilities, with a glazed main entrance visible from Rochdale Road.

The Learning and Skills Council is funding the development which will be completed by 2012.

It is described as a new era for Oldham and includes:

::Construction training centre for young and adult learners.

::Hi-tech classrooms and learning facilities.

::Corporate training suite.

::Hair and beauty training facility and salon

::Sports hall, leisure and gym facilities.

Only three existing buildings will remain: the Grange Theatre and the Bellis, which will both be extensively refurbished, and Butterflies nursery.

The college’s 1960s high rise block is among those to go.

Principal Kath Thomas said: “The redevelopment of The Oldham College to create world-class learning facilities will represent a new dawn for Oldham. It brings a massive investment to the town, helping greater numbers of people of all ages and cultures become skilled and employable.”

Several options were explored before the proposals were finalised and the layout includes courtyards and social spaces.

The 286 parking spaces will remain but a travel plan will encourage people to walk, cycle or use public transport.

Michael Meacher, MP for Oldham West and Royton, welcomed the planning application saying: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Oldham. Its record in further and higher education is already extremely good and this new campus is really going to provide unparalleled opportunities for young people, and no doubt older people as well, in Oldham.”

The application is expected to be considered by Oldham’s planning committee early in the New Year.