Construction work at West Cheshire College’s Chester and Ellesmere Port campuses halted as it awaits funding decision

Jun 25 2009 by Gary Porter, Chester Chronicle

CONSTRUCTION work at West Cheshire College has been halted as it awaits a decision on whether crucial funding will be provided to transform its Chester and Ellesmere Port campuses.

The college, which says preliminary work at both sites has progressed on target, described the situation as ‘not ideal’.

Back in March The Chronicle revealed how concerns were mounting over West Cheshire College’s £70m building programme due to a funding shortfall.

The Learning and Skills Council, which the college hopes to receive 80% of its funding from, says it is among 79 UK projects subject to a priority review as there is insufficient cash for them all.

The college says it was promised a decision earlier this month but that was not forthcoming.

Deputy principal Penny Horsefield said: “Unfortunately the LSC did not make its decision on June 3 so in agreement with our contractors we decided to slow down on site work while we continue to wait for the LSC decision, which has been promised later this month.

“Preliminary work has progressed on target and within budget as previously agreed with both the LSC and the contractors BAM.

“We have an excellent relationship with BAM, who have been paid, and while construction is dormant, behind the scenes activities continue.”

She added: “This situation is not ideal and not what we wanted.

“We have done everything requested by us in line with all the planning permissions and instructions so far issued to us.

“We remain positive that we will get the decision we hope for shortly when on site construction can continue at its original pace.

“We are totally committed to providing the West Cheshire area with the 21st century learning facilities it deserves to support individuals, communities and businesses.”

Plans for a state-of-the-art science and technologies campus in Eaton Road will incorporate facilities for a range of vocational areas including all forms of science, engineering and maths as well as construction, manufacturing, computing, management and leadership.

The lion’s share of the funding would be used to improve the Ellesmere Port campus to make it a centre of excellence in vocational training across the creative and service industries.