Telford College puts plans in for hall conversion

Telford College of Arts and Technology has submitted proposals for the first phase of a £5.5 million pound enhancement of its Wellington site in a bid to expand its vocational facilities.

The first part of the scheme will be to convert an unused sports hall at its Haybridge Road site into a construction skills centre. Further phases include a new Discovery Centre focusing on science, technology, engineering and maths.

There are also plans for an art facility and a centre for students with learning difficulties or disabilities.

Proposals also include the demolition of existing redundant buildings.

The construction skills centre will provide vocational training to students through apprenticeships, focusing on civil engineering skills such as kerb laying, road surfacing, bricklaying, and carpentry.

College principal and CEO Janet Ellis said: "We have had requests from many employers to run construction programmes for them.

"The development of the facility comes as a direct response from employers we work with, both regionally and nationally, including McPhillips, Amey and EnterpriseMouchel.

"We need a facility that is proactive so we can work with major employers in the town and create a curriculum offer that will lead to jobs."

Subject to approval from Telford & Wrekin Council, the work is scheduled to begin on the construction skills centre in March.

The work is scheduled to be completed by September in time for the new academic year.