Wakefield College | News | Council gives approval for new College Campus

Council gives approval for new College Campus

Wakefield College Principal Sue Griffiths was ‘thrilled’ when plans for a new £75m College Campus on its Margaret Street site, in the Wakefield City centre, were given approval by Wakefield MDC Planning Committee on Thursday - a welcome decision at the end of a week of frustrations for the College.

The Learning & Skills Council (LSC) capital funding programme for new college builds was suspended in April, and colleges across the country had plans to redevelop their facilities put on hold, including those for the Wakefield.

The last month it was announced in the budget that a further £300m was to be released and colleges were asked to evidence their need and readiness to proceed. The decision about which projects were to be shortlisted, ahead of a final decision to determine which should be given approval to go ahead, was also due on Thursday, but on Monday the College received notification from the LSC saying that the decision would be delayed.

Ms Griffiths said, “Having completed the LSC’s 'readiness questionnaire' and returned the required supporting documentation, all within a tight timescale, we now find that they are unable to give us a decision on the date that it was due.
“We won't now know which projects have got through to the 'next stage' - a new stage - until later this month. Following that we'll have to come back with revised bids and plans by the end of the month, all without incurring significant extra costs. Final decisions are now due from the LSC in late July, with colleges then expected to be on site, diggers at the ready, in September.

“However, we are not downhearted. We have promised to provide all our students with a superb learning environment; those studying at our wonderful new skillsXchange at Glasshoughton know how well we can deliver on that promise - and we'll continue to work hard to deliver to those who study with us in the Wakefield city. Council having now approved our plans should put us in a stronger position as we go forward in our negotiations with the LSC.

Addressing the Planning Committee, Ms Griffiths said the College scheme was a very sound project, with high level political backing, and formed the second phase of the College’s property strategy to deliver world class facilities for the learners of the Wakefield District.

She said the new campus would raise educational aspirations at all levels, and was integral to realising the District’s ambitions for raising higher and further education achievement in Wakefield. It would also contribute significantly to the regeneration of the City and was one of a number of key regeneration projects in the civic quarter, where it would create an architecturally striking addition.

The College project, which includes plans for a dedicated sixth form and a university centre, was described by Cllr David Dagger as crucial for the future of education in the District.