The National Construction College (NCC) has been given the green light to begin £26 million worth of redevelopment work at its main site in Bircham Newton, Norfolk after its detailed planning application was accepted by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk on 14 January.

The redevelopment is expected to start in the summer and to be completed by February 2011, with NCC's main contractor, Morgan Ashurst, delivering the project through a two-stage JCT Design and Build contract. The flagship development will provide the College with greatly needed new learner facilities including accommodation blocks with en-suite bedrooms; a new restaurant and training support services as well as a sports centre and additional amenities including a shop to be shared with the public.

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The project is supported by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) which has agreed in principle to fund 80% of the costs. The balance of funding is being provided directly by the College and from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

Andy Walder, Director at NCC, said: "We are very pleased to meet this target and we are now one step closer to starting on site. We are also very grateful to the local community and users of our facilities for their support and their enthusiastic input in helping shape our plans – and we will continue to keep them engaged as work progresses. The NCC would also like to thank the King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough council planners for their ongoing support over the last few years.

"We greatly look forward to delivering the redevelopment, which will benefit the industry, individuals and the local community. The final key step is to now take detailed plans to the LSC in March to release the funding to allow work to start on site this summer."

(CD/JM)