£25m college of the future is taking shape now

UTC Centre Oldham College

OLDHAM College is undergoing a £25 million transformation — the first serious investment in vocational and technical education in the borough for a generation.

By early 2015 it will have three new buildings: the Learning Centre, a University Technical College and a Digital Skills Centre.

As part of the overhaul, the 1964 Walton Tower block has already been demolished. The Austen Building (built in 1964 -66) and an adjacent 12 metre chimney will also go.

College bosses say the massive redevelopment will mean that the town will offer students some of the best opportunities in the region.

They are also bidding for more funds for a new development the details of which have yet to be disclosed.

Future redevelopment phases are also set to include the remodelling of the existing Bellis and JT Hilton buildings.