Energy Coast University Technical College at Lillyhall Industrial Estate, Workington has applied for planning permission for a series of new developments.

The scheme, which is under review by Allerdale Borough Council, is aimed at making a huge difference to the educational experience at the college as it looks to adapt to life in a 'new normal'.

The proposals comprise the construction of a teaching workshop next to the existing Energy Coast UTC, alongside internal reconfigurations and the provision of external work bays to the existing building.

Also planned is a replacement sports pitch and changing facilities on land to the north-west of Jubilee Road, with ancillary works to the existing car park, boundary treatment and landscaping works.

Described as a real boost for the education sector in the region, the investment is being heralded as a welcome addition to Workington’s educational offering for Allerdale on the whole.

Located on the outskirts of Workington, Cumbria the college opened in September for students aged between 14 and 19.

In June 2019 it was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The college itself is the product of was a partnership between education and industry.

The approach to the curriculum, provides a great foundation for students’ futures that places emphasis on the benefits of the local economy and developing home-grown talent.

On its website the college states its aims are to provide a unique educational experience for the pupils of a region that is blessed with the asset that is Sellafield.

“We aim deliver academic and technical engineering excellence through innovative, academic and technically – focused education for 14-19 year old students,” it said.

During the period, like all schools in the area, the college has been committed to providing as comprehensive a curriculum as possible under current national lockdown restrictions in the form of remote lessons.