College New Build Gains Planning Permission

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South Cheshire College has gained unanimous approval from Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council for its campus re-development and adjacent residential development.

College Directors and the Principal attended the planning meeting yesterday (Thurs) afternoon at Crewe's Municipal Buildings and were delighted at the outcome.

The Learning and Skills Council approved, in principle, the £60 million project in May this year and Laing O'Rourke have been recently appointed as the building contractor.

Staff, students and members of the community will all benefit from the re- development which centres on the creation of an environmentally sustainable, state-of-the-art, education facility.

In the new design, curriculum areas will be grouped together in clusters and connected by vibrant social spaces and a blend of indoor and outdoor zones in an attractive setting.

There will be a central student heart to the new campus withy outlets and facilities and areas to showcase student work.

Dr Collins said: "We're delighted with the support we've received from the Borough Council in what is a very exciting development for education in the area.

"This will be a state of the art facility that will enhance the lives of students and people of the local community.

"Building should start late Spring next year and the opening is proposed for 1 September 2010.

"Due to the positioning of the new college on the site, existing students will be unaffected."

Jefferson Sheard Architects are masterminding the design for the new building while Turner and Townsend are overall project managers for the new-build.

The new building will house state-of-the-art teaching areas with staff rooms at each end and a central student heart.

Other new facilities which will be housed on the new campus include multi-use sports pitches, a fitness centre, a restaurant and bistro, hair and beauty salons, a theatre, studios and galleries and a motor vehicle and construction workshops.

There will also be a child care centre, a travel centre, a shop, a bakery and a major learning resource zone.

For further information about the new campus development project please contact Chris Bentley at South Cheshire College on +44 (0)1270 654652. Alternatively contact Sarah Groves, Customer Relationship Manager at Jefferson Sheard Architects, on +44(0)114 258 0551