End of an era for college

OLDHAM College’s six-storey tower block is to be demolished.

Work will start on the Walton Tower in May as part of the redevelopment of the Rochdale Road campus.

The building will be replaced with 28 specially-commissioned temporary classrooms, each equipped with a smartboard and IT facilities.

College bosses say the temporary buildings will be better than the current classrooms in the 1960s-built tower.

They will remain for 14 months until two new buildings are completed.

Construction has already started on the first, a £7m building with modern classrooms and a new main entrance.

Work is also due to start on a £9m science, engineering and digital technology building.

Oldham College principal Alun Francis said: “Every decision we make is with the emphasis on our students and the improvements to the learning experience we aim to provide.