South Devon College's new Energy Centre has reached a major milestone in awarding the contract for the construction of the project to Kier.

Another important step in the Centre's progress is the news that the College has just secured £2.4m from the South West European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness and Employment Programme 2007-13. This adds to the £1.2m from the Regional Growth Fund and £2m from the Skills Development Agency, which with the College’s own funds will create a long-term sustainable investment for the area.

Laurence Frewin, the College’s vice principal for corporate services, is very pleased to be able to award the construction contract for the building of the Energy Centre to Kier: "The College has been working with Kier Construction for some time now and we are very pleased that the company shares our passion for the project. Both the College and Kier are firmly committed to involving the local community during the construction phase and maximising training opportunities for young people to work on the project."

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The construction work is due to start in late September and, once completed in the summer of 2013, the Energy Centre's activities will create an estimated 400 local private sector jobs. The inspiring new building will deliver much-needed training to local businesses and individuals, as well as providing near market R & D facilities for companies developing and improving technology and products. It will also offer support and guidance for businesses looking to enter or grow in the low carbon and renewables market and incubation and innovation space for new businesses and start ups.

(CD)