Final piece of the jigsaw

FUTURE vision: the new teaching block, currently known as Building C

OLDHAM College has submitted plans for the final part of its £25million redevelopment plans, a three-storey teaching block on the former Walton Tower site near Rochdale Road.

The overall scheme represents a massive boost for local vocational and technical education across 400 staff and 10,000 students.

The new building will be faced with black brickwork and have a glass corner entrance, and will accommodate about the same number of students as the former tower block.

College bosses say the new amenities will offer some of the best opportunities in the North-West.

A £9million Greater Manchester Sustainable Engineering University Technical College is due to be completed in September, to cater for up to 600 14 to 19-year-olds and have links to local schools, the university and employers.

A £9million Digital Skills Centre will cater for up to 500 students studying IT-based and media courses, as well as pottery, arts and crafts.

A £7million Learning Centre, due for completion in April, will cater for 260 students and include childcare, early learning and business courses.

College principal Alun Francis said: “I don’t think Oldham College could have a year of more positive change.”