Discussions are to take place next month over the future of the Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) Bircham Newton training centre in Norfolk.

The skills body is meeting with the local authority and industry leaders to explore ways in which training can continue at the site and ensure the Bircham Newton training centre in Norfolk.

The move follows CITB's announcement of its proposed 'Vision 2020: The Future CITB' strategy, which aims to reform the skills body into a smaller, more strategic organisation.

The roundtable meeting will be chaired by King's Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council. Attendees will include Chris Starkie, chief executive of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Dr Saul Humphrey, director at Morgan Sindall and chairman of the LEP's Building Growth board, and local MP, Sir Henry Bellingham.

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College leaders, along with representatives from Norfolk County Council and Jobcentre Plus will also join the meeting with CITB's chief executive Sarah Beale.

Cllr Brian Long said: "We've been working closely with colleagues at CITB to gain a detailed understanding of the Vision 2020 proposals and how they may affect the Bircham Newton site.

"We appreciate the reasoning behind CITB's proposed move away from direct training, which is why we're keen to maximise the potential opportunities for new partners at the site

"We're pleased to be hosting this session with the aim of creating a Vision 2020 Taskforce to ensure that all ideas and solutions are geared towards a positive outcome for the future of the site.”

Sarah Beale, Chief Executive of CITB, said: "The industry has been absolutely clear – CITB must reform – but we also care very much about the communities and individuals affected by our change programme.

"We are pleased to be working with key stakeholders to find the best possible future for our Bircham Newton site. When we consulted recently with colleagues at the borough council, I found it particularly heartening to be met with open, responsive and positive attitudes towards our suggestions.

"The site has huge potential and, working together, we stand the best chance of maximising its benefit for both West Norfolk and the construction industry."

(LM/MH)