College awarded £1.9m grant to improve campuses

A college's three campuses are in line for improvements after being awarded a £1.9m grant.

Northampton College will be able to upgrade its buildings and facilities as part of the government's wider Plan for Change initiative.

Principal of Northampton College, Jason Lancaster, said the money would "enhance" the student experience.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith added that further education colleges were at the "heart" of the government's "mission" to train the "next generation of skilled workers".

The funding is part of a £302m injection that can help colleges continue to break down barriers to opportunity.

The college, home to 10,000 students, has a campus in Booth Lane and Lower Mounts, in Northampton, and in Badby Road West, Daventry.

"We welcome this investment, which will enable us to enhance the already positive experience for our students across our estate by further investing in our facilities, ensuring every student has access to a state-of-the-art learning environment," Mr Lancaster said.

He added the college was "committed to providing the best possible facilities for students across all curriculum areas".

Smith added that nationally, "the college estate we inherited is simply not fit for purpose".

"This funding addresses these issues, allowing colleges to focus on what they do best: breaking down barriers to opportunity and inspiring the workforce of the future," she added.

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