02 October 2008

Work starts on new Winsford Learning Zone

It’s all-system-go for the new Winsford Learning Zone as work starts on turning the £10m vision into reality. Local Government minister John Healey recently stopped off in Winsford to act as guest of honour in a “ground-breaking” ceremony at the site off Weaver Road.
The project is being led by Mid-Cheshire College who have secured funding from a range of partners including the Learning & Skills Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and Cheshire County Council. The land for the new educational centre has also been donated by Vale Royal Borough Council.
The development is expected to be completed by March 2010, providing education and training for 250 full-time students from local Winsford schools. The project will also allow 40 jobs to be safeguarded and work-based training for over 175 adults to be completed by 2012.
Mid-Cheshire College currently makes use of accommodation at the Verdin Centre to deliver its Winsford-based courses; however, College Principal John Reilly is looking forward to moving his students into the state-of-the-art facilities:
“We’ve spent a number of years planning and designing the new College, working in collaboration with Woodford Lodge and Verdin High Schools.  We are confident that we are now on the verge of creating a new, landmark educational institution right in the heart of Winsford. When completed, this will be a building that the people of Winsford will be very proud of.”
The new Learning Zone will offer high-quality facilities for young people in areas such as Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Public Services and ICT and will also be used to house some of the academic subjects from the Winsford joint sixth form. The Learning Zone will also offer young people aged 14-16 the opportunity to study for vocational qualifications, such as the new Diplomas, during their last two years at school.
The Learning Zone will not just be aimed at young people, though:

“The Winsford Learning Zone will also be the focus for adult education and work-based learning in Winsford. Many of our adult courses, including our Basic Skills provision, will be based in the Zone and we also intend to offer Higher Education courses within the new building” added Mr Reilly.

Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive said:

“The development of Winsford Learning Zone is essential to supporting the economic future and regeneration of the area. The college will allow an increased number of adult learners to access its facilities, whilst improving achievement and attainment.

“The NWDA is pleased to be supporting this important project, which will contribute to a highly productive regional economy, sustained though a highly skilled workforce.”

VRBC Chief Executive Anne Bingham-Holmes, who has acted as the Chair of the project Steering Group for the past three years, is very enthusiastic about the new Learning Zone:

“Inviting John Healey, MP, to break the ground at the site of the Learning Zone highlights just how important this development is to the area.

“The creation of such an innovative learning resource will give local communities the chance to enjoy flexible and diverse education opportunities and enable them to take control of their own future.” 

Liz Davis, Area Director of the Learning and Skills Council for Cheshire and Warrington commented:

“I am delighted that years of close partnership working have enabled the creation of the Winsford Learning Zone.  The building is a major milestone in the journey to provide a wider range of high quality learning opportunities for 14-19 year olds, employers and adults who want to gain new skills.”

ends   02/10/2008