The newly formed Trafford College Group has appointed a contractor to carry out a £16 million redevelopment project at Stockport College.

Wates has been chosen to transform the College's Wellington Road Campus in the town centre.

Designed by Project 3 Architects, plans include creating a new courtyard, improved pedestrian routes and campus access, a new visitor entrance, the modernisation of existing buildings and the construction of a new Business Centre which will aim to build closer links with local businesses. In addition, the regenerated campus will include a striking colonnade fronting the reception and performing arts building to create a feature entrance, while a two-storey glazed street' will provide a light and airy walkway and relaxation area connecting the reception to the art workshops.

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Wates was selected for the scheme via the North West Construction Hub's (NWCH) construction frameworks.

Paul Dodsworth, Business Unit Director, Wates Construction North West, Yorkshire and North East, said: "We have a longstanding presence in Stockport having completed the College's construction and engineering workshops back in 2010 and more recently, building Redrock, the town's new £45m leisure development.

"We're therefore proud to be continuing our role in the enhancement of Stockport's built environment with this appointment to redevelop the Wellington Road campus for Stockport College.

"We will also be using our presence to contribute to the borough's social and economic development by channeling investment into training and employment opportunities for Stockport's people and working with a locally-based supply chain."

Lesley Davies OBE, Principal and CEO of The Trafford College Group, said: "The redevelopment of the Stockport College campus will create a modern and 'fit for purpose' learning environment enabling the college to deliver and house outstanding teaching and learning.

"This is central to our aim of learners at the college being ahead of the competition in terms of successfully securing meaningful employment and progression to higher level study."

(LM/MH)