Third-rate, depressing and cheap’ - but college still gets thumbs-up

A PROPOSED new look for Oldham College was labelled depressing and cheap.

Plans include the demolition of seven existing buildings at the Rochdale Road site as well as refurbishment and the extension of Grange Theatre.

Proposals also include new teaching and sports facilities.

But Councillor Rod Blyth raised concerns about the white rendering being proposed for the new building. He said: “These types of buildings will look good in Spain, not in the North-West of England.

“With the type of weather we have it will end up looking scruffy in about 10 years.”

Councillor Mike Buckley branded it as a third-rate design, depressing and a cheap option.

He added: “The white rendering is worse than the current design.

“This is not what we want for the borough. By putting up shoddy buildings we’re not going to achieve anything. Agent Jim Winstanley described it as a fantastic opportunity for the borough and its young people.

He added: “We have spent two years planning and designing this.

“It will bring economic and social benefits.”

Planning officer Geoff Willerton said it was a major investment for the borough as the plan was approved, subject to the visual side of the scheme being amended.

Catholic school given go-ahead

A NEW £30million Catholic school on the former Radclyffe Lower site has been given the green light.

The plan is part of Oldham’s £230 million Building School’s for the Future (BSF) scheme to rebuild and refurbish the borough’s secondary schools.

The proposed school, structured around five blocks, on Broadway, Chadderton, will result in the amalgamation of St Augustine of Canterbury, Werneth; and Our Lady’s, Royton.

Radclyffe Lower School has moved into a state-of-the-art new building in Hunt Lane to combine with Radclyffe Upper School.

Councillor Mike Buckley asked why the main block on the site could not be used as part of the new school.

Councillor Phil Rodgers pointed out that the building was already half-demolished.

However, the plan attracted seven letters of objection on the grounds that it will generate more traffic on near-by Thatch Leach. An increase in litter and significant risk to pedestrians were also of concern to local residents.

Highways experet Les Harrison said there was no other option but to use Thatch Leach as an access point.

The new school will cater for 1,500 pupils, plus a sixth-form for 115 students. It is planned to open in September, 2012.