AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop Calderdale College have taken a further step forward.

A full planning application for the £50m scheme at the Francis Street campus in Halifax has been submitted to Calderdale Council.

Key features of the new building include a three-storey, glass-roofed atrium to provide a “learning gateway” to classrooms, workshops and a learning resource centre with IT systems and wireless network throughout.

There will also be social areas for students and a refectory.

There will also be a theatre and dance studios.

A ground-floor commercial salon will provide work experience for hair and beauty students.

The present seven-storey Percival Whitley Centre, on the lower side of Francis Street, will be replaced by a smaller building rising from two to three storeys.

College principal Chris Jones said: “This is a blueprint for a centre of vocational excellence which will develop individuals and learning and enterprise skills.

“It will also provide employers with training to help their businesses to succeed.

“This project represents one of the largest public investments ever made in Halifax. It is a major boost to the community and a unique opportunity to transform the college and the lives of the people who use it.”

The council’s planning committee has 13 weeks to consider the application.

If it approves the plans they will pass to the regional and national Learning Skills Councils for final approval in April.

It is hoped that building work will begin at the end of April.