£6m revamp at South Staffordshire College in Cannock

A £6 million revamp of a Staffordshire college campus that caters for thousands of students is to take place, it was announced today.

A new glass-roofed atrium forms part of the plans by South Staffordshire College for its Cannock campus. The refurbishment will cost the college around £4m.

A £2m grant is also coming from the Government's Skills Funding Agency.

Work is due to get under way redeveloping the building in the summer, but college bosses have not yet revealed fully what the new college building will look like and where the majority of the money will be spent.

Director of commercial operations Michelle Dowse said: "Major changes to what was originally a mining college include both structural and architectural improvements, the net result of which will be a more welcoming, stimulating and open environment."

It is envisaged that the existing public services such as Gordon's restaurant, where students prepare and serve a range of meals, and the hair and beauty salons will benefit from the revamp.

Mrs Dowse added: "One of our greatest contributions to the people of Cannock and the surrounding area is to provide a range of courses which meets their needs."

Cannock campus is currently home to 1,700 students.

Councillor Gordon Alcott, economic development and planning portfolio leader at Cannock Chase Council, said: "We are delighted that the college has now received grant funding. This decision is a welcome boost to education and employment prospects in our district."

By Harry Gottschalk