BARNSLEY College has been awarded more than £2.3m to upgrade its estate thanks to government funding which aims to ‘turn the page on years of neglect’.
From repairing leaky roofs and fixing broken windows to updating worn-out heating systems, Barnsley College will benefit to the tune of £2.392m.
The college will be given the flexibility to decide how the funding is spent, so it can be directed where it is needed most.
Principal and chief executive David Akeroyd told the Chronicle: “We welcome this significant investment which will support us in continuing to provide high-quality learning environments for our students and staff.
“Ensuring our estate is modern, authentic and fit for purpose is essential to delivering the best possible experience and outcomes for learners.
“This funding builds on the strong foundations already in place at Barnsley College, including around £18m investment in our University Centre and the development of our Clean Energy Training Centre - a first for South Yorkshire - which are helping to equip students with the skills needed for the future economy in several industries.
“This new funding accelerates that mission.
“With planned development of our digital and technology facilities and our Honeywell campus, we will continue to expand the high-quality, employer-aligned provision that gets people into good jobs and keeps South Yorkshire’s workforce competitive.
“That is what this investment is ultimately about, turning ambition into opportunity for every student who walks through our doors.”
Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis said the upgrades will help break down barriers to opportunity for students, with fewer disruptions to lessons, more comfortable learning environments, and better spaces for students to focus and succeed.
He added: “I’m delighted that the government has announced extra funding for colleges across the country, including here in Barnsley.
“By investing in Barnsley College, we can give young people from across our borough better facilities and the kind of environment where they can thrive.
“It will help to open doors, raise aspirations, and give every young person here the chance to succeed.”
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “The young people in these colleges are the engineers, bricklayers and designers of the future, and they and the dedicated staff teaching them deserve the best possible environment to learn and succeed.
“This £307m investment will repair and modernise facilities across all 175 colleges in England, giving young people the spaces they need to build the skills they need for good careers, helping to drive economic growth.”
