Delays throw multi-million college projects into doubt
MULTI-million pound building projects at colleges in the city and county are being delayed by a hold on funding.
In an unprecedented decision by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) – responsible for further education in England and Wales – all capital project submissions for colleges have been deferred for at least three months.
It means the future is uncertain for the £57m Basford Learning Park development to replace New College Nottingham's Basford Hall.
Approval was still being sought for the project from the LSC, which would have funded 70% of the development.
David White, vice-principal at New College Nottingham (ncn), is frustrated, but said:"This innovative and crucial project, which will benefit the community, invest in the local economy and in the regional construction industry, remains a top priority."
West Notts College's plans for a new £96m 'super college' for Ashfield and Mansfield could also be affected.
Final approval from planners at Ashfield District Council is being sought tomorrow, but the college will then have to decide whether to press on with construction while LSC funding remains in doubt.
The Association of Colleges has written to the LSC for formal notification of their decision to defer capital projects.
A spokesman for the LSC said: "We are working closely with colleges to review individual current positions in relation to all capital applications, to enable the demand for capital funds to be more effectively managed."
4 Comments
by Bethany, Nottingham
Wednesday, January 14 2009, 3:54PM
“What do our local new Labour MPs have to say about this failure? In fact what do they say or do about anything? perhaps they are on a 'fact finding' visit to somewhere warm and sunny and have no time for the mess that Bliar and Brown have made of our economy.”
by Inoff the red, peoples republic of sneinton
Wednesday, January 14 2009, 1:51PM
“Amazing innit? Gordon Brown bangs on about keeping the economy going by investing in capital projects blah blah, keeping construction going blah blah when in reality nothing is happening.
He lives in a fantasy world and thinks that if he keeps on telling lies long enough (no more boom and bust) that people will believe him.
He is driving this country into bankruptcy and the sooner he goes the better.”
by inoff the red, peoples republic of sneinton
Wednesday, January 14 2009, 1:45PM
“Amazing innit? Gordon Brown bangs on about helping the economy blah blah, investing on capital projects blah blah, keeping construction going blah blah, when in reality nothing is being done.
It is just sound bite stuff to make the electorate think he is on top of the problem.
I think most people are being to realise that Brown is an unelected (as PM) clown that is driving the country to bankruptcy.”
by LABOUR OUT!, Nottingham
Wednesday, January 14 2009, 1:24PM
“Smacks of Gordon Browns bandits getting their hands on it because he's essentially bankrupt the country. Let's take a bet on how many of these projects will actually start...
Or....Let's see if these projects (already accounted for) suddenly get brought into an election-geered giveaway budget under a multi-billion 'fiscal stimulous' package.
Come on Gordon, pack your bags and sod off. Labour OUT!”