Pointing the way

MILESTONE . . . (from left) governor Ian Hill, Councillor Kay Knox, principal Nick Brown and vice-chairman of governors Steve Lowe

Signing up to science centre vision for the future

PLANS to create a world-class science centre in Oldham have reached a major milestone.

Officials met at Oldham Sixth Form College to formally complete key details of the multi-million-pound deal for the centre at Kings Point.

Oldham Council exchanged conditional contracts for the acquisition of Kings Point with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund. A separate agreement permitting Oldham Sixth Form College to occupy the site for use as the Regional Science Centre was also confirmed.

Councillor Kay Knox said: “This is an historic and exciting day which will put our borough on the map as a national beacon for science.

“The Regional Science Centre will be the country’s first science facility to house a seamless transition across the academic spectrum — being used by primary school pupils right through to undergraduates. This will move the borough’s provision up to a whole new level and produce the next generation of scientists right on our doorstep.”

The Kings Point facility — which has lain vacant since it opened in June, 2009 — will provide scientific activities for more than 2,000 students within 18 months of opening.

College principal Nick Brown said: “There has been some terrific energy and vision invested in this by the Oldham Partnership. I believe what is being achieved here will eventually be seen as a model for progress nationally.”