LSC Gives Green Light For College New Build

Artist's impression of the new South Cheshire College flagship campus

South Cheshire College has been given the final go-ahead to build its new flagship campus from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

The LSC's National Committee met last week to approve funding for the new build project which gets underway later this year.

Work is already taking place to prepare the site for the new construction which will cost in the region of £74 million.

The LSC will hand over approximately £42 million to help fund the project which will give learners a state-of-the-art education facility at the heart of the community.

International construction company, HBG UK Limited, has been appointed as the main building contractor to start work on the project this autumn.

The company specialises in building colleges, schools, academies and universities and has a wealth of experience in projects of this size.

Students currently studying at the high-flying college will not be affected by the new build which will be completed by 2010.

In the new semi-circular design on three levels, 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.

The new campus is being masterminded by Jefferson Sheard architects and the new building will be environmentally sustainable.

Nigel Peet, Director of Curriculum Support and Operations, is co-ordinating the college side of the build project as well as staff and resource movements at the Dane Bank Avenue site ahead of the new build.

Nigel said: "We are delighted that the LSC Capital Committee has given us the final go-ahead to proceed with the project marking the start of a new chapter of education and training in Crewe and Nantwich".

"We are preparing for HBG UK to move in and are on target to have everything in place for when students return at the start of September.

"I'd like to say a big thank-you to staff for all their hard work and co-operation in preparing for the construction phase of the project."

The Somerville building which currently houses hair and beauty salons, business and IT classrooms and a Learning Resource Centre will be the first to be demolished.

The College has purchased the premises at 1, Kingsway to house a new hair and beauty salon which is now well on the way to completion before students return in September.

Several college departments including Marketing, Human Resources, Finance and the Personal Development Unit (PDU) are also set to move to Edleston Road Primary School in August to create extra classroom space at the main campus.

Local residents are being kept up to speed with the new build project and will be invited into college early in September to learn more about the latest project developments.

For further information about the new campus development project please contact Chris Bentley at South Cheshire College on +44 (0)1270 654652.