Plans submitted for £5.5m college project

Wigan & Leigh College has submitted a planning application for the £5.5m second phase of the development of its site in Parson's Walk, Wigan.

The proposals involve the demolition of the existing sports hall and administration block to make way for an improved main entrance as part of the college's Gateway Project.

Once completed, the new building will house the main reception, student and employment services and a café on the ground floor, with the Learning Resources Centre and library on the first floor.

Wigan & Leigh CollegeProposals for the scheme also include re-developing the existing courtyard to provide a refectory and student social space. This will also provide a new training kitchen and more space for students to learn.

The college's iconic pithead wheel will be relocated to New Market Street, and will sit outside the Wheel Restaurant to create a "visual landmark".

Cath Hurst, principal of Wigan & Leigh College, said: "The phase II plans enable us to provide a new welcoming and accessible main entrance that not only benefits our students, but also the wider community as it transforms this key gateway into Wigan.

"We believe our plans will enable us to really showcase what the college has to offer, as well as giving us the space to be able to host events and exhibitions."

Subject to planning approval, construction will start later this year and will be completed by September 2014.

In recent years, the college has pledged significant investment across the wider centre, with a new three storey Professional Studies building and state of the art engineering facilities at its Pagefield Centre on Walkden Avenue.

These will be completed by September 2013.

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