Thursday, September 9, 2010

News: Rotherham colleges secure renewal funding

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Dearne Valley College (DVC) and Rotherham College of Arts & Technology (RCAT) have both secured £225,000 from the Government to invest in new buildings and renovate existing ones.

The colleges will more than match Government funding by raising money from private sources, which will allow them to renovate buildings and update facilities, giving students access to more modern and sophisticated equipment.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Helping colleges modernise their facilities will give them a much-needed boost at a time when education could not be more important, and I am glad we have been able to provide them with this support."

Geoff Russell, Chief Executive Skills Funding Agency said: "I am delighted to be able to provide this extra money which is a welcome boost to improving the Further Education estate for both students and staff alike.

"Colleges submitted an impressive range of projects. A good quality environment, with colleges offering high quality courses are both essential ingredients in helping develop a growing and competitive economy and in supporting life long learning."

The Rotherham colleges missed out on larger renewal grants of up to £1m.

Demolition work has begun as part of a £8.15m redevelopment at RCAT's town centre campus and a formal proposal was taken this week to the cabinet of Rotherham Borough Council for a £5m loan, to be repaid over 25 years, to help cover the costs.

The project is phase 1 of a proposed redevelopment and will provide a new focal point entrance for the campus, with classrooms and facilities equipped to modern standards. The new building will link to the existing advanced manufacturing facilities and provide an improved environment for the development of higher level and technical skills courses.

Planning permission was secured for a £70m redevelopment in January 2009, the same month as the much publicised national debacle regarding the allocation of capital funds for projects by the Learning & Skills Council which meant that funding would not be forthcoming.

The college is hopeful that the new building work will be complete by August 2011.

RCAT website
DVC website

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