Member Article

Government approves capital funding bid for state of the art new campus

One of the UK’s most rapidly improved colleges is to move to a new state of the art campus in Huyton.

Knowsley Community College, highly commended by OFSTED in recent reports, has just received approval for capital funding that will enable it to develop the former Christ the King Centre for Learning building on Stockbridge Lane as its new campus, after approval by the Skills Funding agency.

A decision was taken in July 2013 to close the school at the site, and the building has been empty since the school closed.

In September 2013, the College started discussions with Knowsley Council about a possible relocation to the site. Since then the College has conducted a feasibility review and consultation with staff, students, prospective students, parents and other local stakeholders.

The College plans to significantly adapt the building to create world class technical and professional facilities for further and higher education, based around a series of ‘enterprise zones’, reflecting the knowledge and skills priorities of the Liverpool City Region.

“The approval of capital funding now means the proposed relocation to the new site in September 2015 can go ahead,” said Steve Logan, Principal of Knowsley Community College.

“We have a lot of work to do in a short period of time, but ultimately, this decision provides a very exciting and unique opportunity to reshape the college for the future and achieve our vision of becoming an outstanding college at the heart of a thriving community, that is first choice for learners and employers”.

Sheena Ramsey, Chief Executive of Knowsley Council, said: “We’re really pleased that Knowsley Community College can now proceed with the plans to relocate into the former Christ the King Centre for Learning building.

“Since the school closed last year, the council has been working hard on proposals to continue with educational provision on the site, and we know local residents have shared our passion to make this happen.

“Knowsley Community College’s commitment to the area is great news for local students who are considering their further education options. Their relocation to Christ the King allows them to offer the kinds of courses that equip local young people with the skills they will need for the jobs of the future.”

As well as the educational provision on the site, both Knowsley Council and Knowsley Community College are committed to retaining the community use of the facilities at Christ the King.

The agreement will see Knowsley Community College granted a long term lease for the site. Knowsley Council will retain ownership and obligations under the ongoing PFI agreement.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .