We’re off on a £30m move says college

Mar 15 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A CASH-STRAPPED college could have a new home.

Kirklees Council has bought the former Safeways supermarket site on Bradford Road in Dewsbury.

The land is earmarked for a £30m campus for Dewsbury College.

The college’s existing sites on Halifax Road and Birkdale Road will be sold.

Last year the Learning and Skills Council national watchdog found that Dewsbury had “serious financial problems” and should merge with Huddersfield Technical College.

Dewsbury College principal Trevor Jameson welcomed the purchase of the Bradford Road site.

He said: “The message is plain and simple; we are here to stay. This is great news for learners.”

Mr Jameson added that a campus on Bradford Road would help regenerate the town centre by bringing 500 staff and thousands of students into the area.

Council leader Clr Robert Light agrees. He said: “The project is a key part of the wider ambitions and regeneration plans for Dewsbury as a whole.”

The LSC’s West Yorkshire director, Mike Lowe, is also pleased.

He said: “The council’s purchase of this site is great news for Dewsbury College.

“It will provide local learners, employers and the communities of Dewsbury with better access to top-quality learning in improved facilities and buildings.

“Securing this site is also a significant boost for plans to unite Dewsbury College with Huddersfield Technical College.

“A new college would offer better quality and choice of learning and training opportunities in top-class facilities.

“Following a public consultation the LSC received a majority of positive responses supporting the merger.

“The next stage is for the LSC to consider all responses and make sure these are taken into account as the detailed merger proposal is put together.”