First turf cut on college project

CONSTRUCTION students Jack Stokes, Daniel O’Grady and Peter Hawley officially launched the start of work on a new £7 million building at Oldham College.

They took part in the ground-breaking ceremony for the five-storey, energy-efficient building at the corner of Middleton and Rochdale Road.

As well as creating a new main entrance, it will include classrooms, community space, social areas and new student support facilities.

Contractor Laing O’Rourke will also be offering students work placements and apprenticeships.

The building is due to be completed by the end of the year and is the first part of a potential eight-phase overhaul of the campus. The next is a £9 million science, engineering and digital technology block.