College final-phase approval

Oldham Council Planning Committee

THE final phase of Oldham College’s £25million regeneration masterplan - a new three-storey extension - was approved by councillors last night.

The building will hold 17 new classrooms, four commercial hair and beauty salons, five teaching hair and beauty salons and office and circulation space.

Councillor Mark Alcock said: “This is part of the future of our next generation.”

The new facility joins a £9 million Greater Manchester Sustainable Engineering University Technical College — due to be completed in September.

This will cater for more than 600 14 to 19-year-olds and has links to local schools, the university and employers.

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

In April, a £7million Learning Centre will be complete for the use of 260 childcare, early-learning and business students.

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