£3m performing arts complex bid lodged for Dudley college
Fresh plans have been lodged for a £3million performing arts centre at Halesowen College after concerns about the original designs were raised by fire chiefs.
The new complex was due to be connected to other buildings at the Whittingham Road site by a glass walkway, which the college had hoped to use as an exhibition space and break area for students.
But fire officers at Dudley Council said as the link way would be the main escape route for the block in an emergency, it would need to be left clear, putting a stop to the college's plans.
Revised designs have now been submitted for a stand alone complex after bosses said they would not be able to use the glazed walk way as they had hoped.
The performing arts centre is the latest stage of revamp work at the site, with £20 million being invested in replacing outdated buildings. It will provide teaching rooms and rehearsal space for students on music, drama and dance courses.
The college has been struggling to provide enough space for the growing number of students taking performing arts courses.
Some are currently having to travel off campus to use facilities at Benjamins, a function and conference hall, in the town centre.
A planning application, submitted on behalf of college principal Keith Bate said: "Since October 2014, a tender process commenced, and a formal consultation with Dudley Council building control officers and fire officers was held. Officers informed the college that the approved glazed link as part of the previously consented scheme, would be required to be a sterile environment as it would form the primary escape route for the block."
Councillors have previously supported the scheme - despite dozens of objections from people living near the college who feared surrounding roads will become clogged with cars as they already suffer because of nuisance parking.
Planning officers at Dudley Council have also backed the scheme saying it would actually lead to less traffic because students will no longer have to leave the site to use facilities elsewhere in the town.
Bosses said having on-site teaching rooms would cut costs for both students and the college.
Mr Bate said: "The proposed development will enhance this area of the campus significantly."
The new centre, which will be known as Block 13, follows the opening of new facilities including a building for animal care and tourism courses., which has a fully-functioning veterinary surgery and opened in 2012. There are also specially designed classrooms and a kitchen for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
A science and IT block opened on the campus in 2011
