£9.3 m University Technical College in Burnley
Training provider, Training 2000, has announced it has secured £9.3m of Government capital funding to develop its University Technical College (UTC), Visions Learning Trust, at its preferred location, Victoria Mill in Burnley, subject to the final funding agreement being signed by the Secretary of State in April 2012.
The historic former mill will be converted by North Westbased Barnfield Construction in a joint venture with Burnley Borough Council. The planning application is set to be submitted by early April 2012 with construction commencing in June 2012 and the centre expected to be fully-operational by September 2013.
Training 2000 revealed Victoria Mills as its preferred location in October, but was subject to approval from the Department for Education (DfE), which has now been received. It was one of the three considered, alongside Kings Mill and Brierfield Mills in Pendle.
John Proctor, UTC curriculum advisor at Training 2000, said: “This long-awaited decision is a major milestone in the development of the site and we are thrilled to be in a position to move forward. It is a very exciting time for us and we will now be working closely with our partners to progress our plans.”
Gareth Smith, Barnfield project director for Weavers Triangle, added: “This is a real opportunity to finally unlock the true potential of a nationally significant regeneration area. With the new University Technical College comes footfall, which is key to the success of the wider regeneration plans for the Weavers Triangle area.
“This facility will deliver design excellence and will inspire a new generation of technically capable people in an industry desperate for new talent. The facility will encompass a world class work based opportunity which will deliver state-of-the-art learning facilities in the setting of an intuitive workplace.”
Councillor Charlie Briggs, Leader of Burnley Borough Council, concluded: “This is a major success – it cementsBurnley’s growing reputation as a centre for excellence for education and skills in advanced manufacturing. Modern manufacturers need a skilled workforce –Burnley’s ability to supply the skills will become a magnet which retains and draws in manufacturing businesses.”
Supported by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust the force behind UTC’s, Blackburn-based Training 2000’s Visions Learning Trust will provide education for 14-to-19-year-olds in a new innovative format that puts employers at its core.
Combining traditional education programmes with employer-led technical training, including Apprenticeships, the education will support the future needs of local employers by developing the high skills levels required in the engineering, advanced manufacturing and construction industries.
A public consultation on the project has now begun, with the first event taking place at Burnley Town Hall, Council Chamber, on Thursday 19th January at 4pm and 6pm.
