Cornwall College’s St Austell Campus is one of sixteen colleges across the country that is set to benefit from targeted investment that will transform their buildings and facilities and support the delivery of high quality education and training for generations to come.
The announcement marks the start of the next phase of the government’s £1.5 billion FE Capital Transformation Fund which aims to rebuild and transform colleges estates and create modern, fit-for-purpose spaces that meet the needs of students and the communities they serve.
The fund was first launched in September 2020 by the Prime Minister who announced an initial £200 million investment so that all colleges could undertake immediate remedial work to refurbish buildings. Following this, in January 2021, further education colleges were invited to bid for additional funding to help upgrade their campuses.
The DfE will work in partnership with the 16 colleges announced today to fund projects that will ensure their sites are excellent places to learn, so more people can gain the skills that they need to secure great jobs and businesses need to thrive.
Commenting, local Member of Parliament Steve Double said:
“I am delighted to see this funding announced by the Government today for Cornwall College’s St Austell Campus. This is something I have worked long and hard with Cornwall College and colleagues in Government to achieve and I am pleased to see this confirmed today.”
“Well done to John Evans and the team at the college for their work in putting together a successful bid. This funding will enable Cornwall College to transform its campus in St Austell and upgrade further education facilities for students from the town and surrounding area.”
“I look forward to seeing the funding drawn down and used immediately to benefit our town and current and future students.”
Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan said:
“As we build back better, it is vital our colleges continue to be great places to learn with excellent facilities.”
“It is fantastic news that we launching the next phase of this transformation programme, working collaboratively with a small number of colleges that are some of the most in need of support to upgrade and revitalise their estates.”
“Our priority is making sure every student receives high quality education and training, no matter where they live, so they can gain the skills they need to progress into work and help the economy to rebuild and grow.”