£23 Million College Plans

The Manchester College has announced further plans for developing its accommodation in the south of the city, with a new campus that will be based in the heart of Wythenshawe.

In addition to this month’s earlier announcement of a £9million investment at its Fielden Campus on Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury and further refurbishment of its Northenden Campus, the college plans to spend £23 million on a state of the art project in Benchill.

The 8,500 m2 campus will incorporate the site of the college’s highly successful Brownley Green Construction Training Centre off Walney Road, which is currently full to capacity. Architect John Walker from Walker Simpson has worked with the college on other award-winning campus buildings and is leading the development of the plans.

Peter Tavernor, Principal of The Manchester College, described his vision for the new campus “With the closure of the old West Wythenshawe Campus several years ago, residents in the area have had little opportunity to gain vocationally-relevant qualifications that will lead to good jobs. As well as having a sixth form, the new centre will offer local people the chance to develop high level skills in a variety of areas, including construction, automotive, performing arts, catering and facilities management, science and IT. This will all be delivered in a fantastic, 21st century facility, which is what Wythenshawe people really deserve.” Said Mr Tavernor.

Paul Goggins MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East welcomed the news “The Manchester College is making a huge investment in our area, to offer Wythenshawe and South Manchester residents the best possible opportunities to learn new skills get ready for work. With the inclusion of superb resources available to all, the government’s commitment to develop excellent community facilities and services has been fulfilled.”

Sue Murphy, councillor for Brooklands and Chair of the Governing Body for The Manchester College said “As a councillor within the south of the city, this exciting news couldn’t be closer to home, and we are very proud to be taking forward such an innovative scheme that is clearly going to benefit large numbers of residents and increase the number of opportunities and prospects within the area.”

Phase one of development, which includes the majority of the construction training facilities, will be completed by September 2009, with the second phase being completed by July 2010.

Peter Tavernor emphasised the college’s plans to encourage community engagement with the project and described feedback from a recent consultation event “Local residents and businesses have been very supportive around the proposed developments, particularly regarding the positive effects the new campus will have on the educational attainment of young people in the area and the employment prospects for adult learners.

“We have a long-standing and very strong partnership with Manchester Libraries. Two of our campuses host immensely successful community libraries and we are delighted to be in discussions with them regarding the operation of the library in the new college centre. In addition to this, Radio Regen’s community radio station Wythenshawe FM will be located within the building. The new campus is going to be at the centre of the community and we’re now really excited about taking it forward and look forward to working with residents to ensure its success.”