Strategic Sites Seals £73m College Funding

The campus, which will eventually grow to over 300,000 sq ft, will form part of Strategic Sites' Waterfront Quarter scheme close to Huddersfield town centre.

This news, which completes a £73m funding package, follows an extremely competitive process where Kirklees College was one of over 140 colleges bidding for resources. Only 12 colleges throughout England were successful. Criteria used by the LSC to reach its decision included the likely education and skills impact and the contribution to local economic and regeneration priorities.

It is planned that development will start in January 2010, with the new college buildings opening for students in September 2012.

Strategic Sites' chief executive Paul Barber said, "We always thought the Waterfront Quarter would become the best business and learning environment in Huddersfield.  To receive such a prestigious order in these difficult economic times is a real fillip to us. I would like to thank Kirklees Council and Yorkshire Forward for their tremendous help during the bidding process."

As well as the new college, the Waterfront Quarter scheme will include new offices, homes, restaurants and a public square, as well as numerous environmental improvements.