Member Article

College development set to boost town’s economy

A major building scheme is scheduled for Barnsley, with the unveiling of plans for a new £17 million sixth form college for 1,150 pupils.

Barnsley College wants to build the school on the site of the town’s Central Library, in Shambles Street. The proposals will be considered by the town council’s cabinet this month

A £5.3m grant from the government’s Skills Funding Agency will help pay for the proposed college and if approved, it is hoped the college will be completed by summer 2015. The balance of the funding would be raised by the college through the sale of assets and borrowing.

Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said: “The proposal indicates the sixth form college would have the potential to bring £7.7m into the local economy.

“Following on from the recently completed town hall square modernisation, it would create an inspirational and vibrant building, at a key location, that would dramatically improve this gateway into the town centre.”

Principal Colin Booth said: “I am delighted that our excellent A level teachers and future students will have an inspirational new Sixth Form College building to work in from September 2015.” “It is very good news that it will be built in the centre of Barnsley. The college is working closely with Barnsley Council on how to ensure that the new building has the best possible impact on the overall development of the town centre.”

Providing A levels, vocational courses and higher education options, Barnsley College is found just outside the town centre. Its last Ofsted inspection pegged it as Outstanding, the highest grade available and the officials also declared it The Best College in the UK.

It has a tradition of turning out notable musicians and media personalities, including two members of the Arctic Monkeys, another pair from indie rock group, The Cribs and Pop Idol contestant turned television presenter, Sam Nixon.

The college’s proposal will be discussed by the cabinet on 23rd October, when councillors will also be asked to approve a recommendation to relocate the Barnsley’s library and a Citizens’ Advice Bureau to Wellington Street.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Gatehouse .