Last updated at 00:24, Friday, 11 February 2011

Work has started on a £1.2m extension to West Cumbria’s Lakes College.

grand ceremony: Pictured at the site are, from left, principal Cath Richardson; John Stobbart of Stobbarts Ltd; facilities manager John Irving; and deputy principal Karen Wilson

A turf-cutting ceremony has been held at the Lillyhall campus, where a vocational centre for 14 to 19-year-olds will be built.

College principal Cath Richardson, her deputy Karen Wilson and the college’s facilities manager John Irving were joined by John Stobbart, managing director of Workington firm Stobbarts Ltd, which won the development contract.

The centre is due to open in September.

It will enhance the college’s 14-19 provision and facilities for students with learning difficulties or disabilities.

It will be used as a vocational arts centre and its facilities will include a multi-use room which can be turned into a lecture theatre, performance room and dedicated multi-media space.

It has been funded by a £1m special education needs grant from Cumbria County Council and a £225,000 capital grant from the Skills Funding Agency.

Many apprentices employed by Stobbarts who go to the college for training will be involved in the development of the new building.

Mr Stobbart said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as main contractor.

“This is an exciting project for Stobbarts Ltd and we are confident that the new facility will make a valuable contribution to the college services.

“There is a tremendous sense of pride within our company on working on projects in local educational facilities and seeing how they benefit our local communities.”

Mrs Richardson said: “We are especially proud that our own learners studying on apprenticeships will be involved in the construction of the site and that this project is contributing to welfare of the local community.”

First published at 19:39, Thursday, 10 February 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk