College calls off move to transport interchange
STOCKPORT College has abandoned its plans to move to the proposed town centre transport interchange and instead spend around £25m developing its existing site.
The college, on Wellington Road South, plans to buy back land it had previously sold to the Homes and Community Agency and is still currently occupying on leaseback.
A fee ‘similar’ to the amount the land was sold for has been agreed in principle and it is intended the work will begin in September 2018, taking two years to complete.
It will be done in phases, including a large part of the site and will see improvements to the performing arts, theatre, beauty salon and childcare course facilities.
Dr Mike Potter, Stockport College’s chief executive, said: “It will be a new and modern college, we have a big curriculum and this will be a fantastic opportunity.
“Youngsters will have much better facilities and in a better environment. Stockport College was an outstanding college and many of the staff we have were there in those days. “I like to think by the time this is done it will be a phoenix from the ashes. “We are in a positive place and moving forward.” The college, which was branded inadequate by Ofsted but has since had a visit which has seen improvements, is also proposing to merge with Trafford College early next year. Consultation papers for this will be published later this month. It is planned that money for the redevelopment will come from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s skills capital fund and loans. The proposed move to Stockport Transport Interchange has been shelved as it is seen as less ‘cost effective’ than the new alternative. Dr Potter said: “There will always be issues with splitting the site – it is complicated for students to move between different sites. “We have to look at value for money so the main reason is we have a cheaper, more cost-effective solution redeveloping here.”
I like to think by the time this is done it will be a phoenix from the ashes Dr Mike Potter chief executive