Weston College deal for new campus

Weston College has exchanged contracts on a site in Weston-super-Mare to create a new campus in the resort.

Principal Dr Paul Phillips says the college has this week exchanged on the old Clark's site on Locking Road.

Once the deal has been completed the former factory will be converted into a new site for college students.

Part of the site will be developed to provide state-of-the-art training facilities particularly for construction and engineering.

In addition it will have specialist facilities that schools can access to enhance their curriculum.

Existing businesses on the site will not be affected as the new facilities will be developed to the rear of the land.

The clear ambition is to create a Business and Skills Park for North Somerset with developments phased over a number of years.

Dr Phillips said, "Raising the skills profile of the workforce is crucial, this new eight acres site will provide the opportunity North Somerset needs."

The college has been working in conjunction with North Somerset Council and the North Somerset Partnership on raising skills awareness.

Chief Executive of North Somerset Council, Graham Turner said, "The development of learning and skills within communities and the business sector is central to the North Somerset Partnership's vision for the area. "Whilst the recession is currently cutting growth in employment, it is also reinforcing the need for focussing on skills and redoubling our efforts to help people move back into employment."