£2m science deal

AGREED... Roly Bardsley (chairman, Bardsley), Steve Lowe (chairman of governors), Jayne Clarke (principal) and council leader Howard Sykes

Tameside firm wins contract for new centre
THE £2 million contract to fit out Oldham’s new regional science centre has been awarded to Tameside firm Bardsley Construction.

The King Street centre will include world-class laboratories, an exhibition space and facilities for schools and universities.

It will be opened by Oldham Sixth Form College in the spring after a landmark deal was struck to buy the Kings Point building in May.

Bardsley’s employs more than 200 staff.

It has completed a number of high-profile education, health, leisure and commercial projects in the North-West including Liverpool Hope University and Curzon Ashton FC’s Tameside Stadium.

Chairman Roly Bardsley said: “We feel justifiably proud to have been chosen to help the college to bring this fabulous new facility to conclusion.”

The centre was among scores of projects hit across the country when the Government’s Learning and Skills Council (LSC) ran out of money and froze its college building programme.

But Oldham Partnership, an umbrella organisation for public bodies, pooled its grants to fund the centre, with Oldham Council borrowing the money until they came through.

Council leader Howard Sykes said: “This centre is central to our exciting plans to continue Oldham’s development as a successful university town.

“When Kings Point opens it will boost regeneration plans and begin developing skilled talent for the new economy — raising the opportunities and aspirations available to future generations in the employment market.”

College principal Jayne Clarke added: “We look forward to working with Bardsley over the coming months and to being able to offer an excellent facility to students across the local area and beyond, to inspire and support their studies in science.”