A planning application for a ‘crucial’ six-storey extension at Rochdale Sixth Form College has been approved by Rochdale Council.
Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and named ‘Sixth Form College of the Year’ in 2021, the college currently provides further education for up to 1,480 young learners.
Courses include everything from basic skills development, to higher level qualifications through to A-Levels, degrees and apprenticeships.
Now the college has been given the green light to extend its town centre base – so it can respond to the growth in technology-based companies and small start-up businesses in the area.
The six-storey extension will provide 19 classrooms, creating room for around 360 extra students. New teaching posts are also likely to be created.
Bosses say additional accommodation is ‘crucial to ensure that continual growth can be accommodated and quality expectations can be met’.
Documents submitted with a planning application- now approved by the council – say the college’s success has made a significant contribution to the town.
The ‘need to provide teaching excellence’ is said to be ‘imperative for Rochdale’s economic future and the community’s sustainability’.
Papers add: “The proposed development of Rochdale Sixth Form College’s building is an important part in maintaining their reputation as a leading sixth form college.
“The proposal considers the community’s needs, is critical in meeting increasing demand and maintains high quality.
“The re-design of the proposed building celebrates the relationship of the site to the moorland that encircles Rochdale. It will be a positive contribution to the rest of the town and the ability of the college to further educational success.”
The extension will be on the College Road side of the building, which is also six storeys in height, and also feature learning support space and staff accommodation.
Papers say its proximity to the river and long distance views over the surrounding moorland offer ‘the potential to create a place with a strong identity and sense of place’.
Metal cladding is intended to complement the existing materials, while the orange colour ‘defines the extension, providing its own identity’.
There will also be a roof garden as outdoor space is limited at the college offering ‘views towards the west and east over the moorland’.
The extension will be built on land which includes five visitor parking spaces, taking the number of bays down from 77 to 72 – including two for disabled drivers. There are also 39 cycle spaces.
To provide additional car parking, the college has agreed to lease 30 car parking spaces in Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre.
However, given the availability of car parking within the town centre – and the ‘excellent’ walking, cycling and public transport links – this has been deemed ‘acceptable’.
Pedestrian access from the south end of the site and vehicle parking and access to the north will remain unchanged.UK.
Rochdale Sixth Form College, the “Sixth Form College of the Year 2021” and renowned Ofsted “outstanding” rated institution, is taking its academic excellence to the next level for your child’s future success. The college is thrilled to announce that Rochdale Council has given the green light to its vital six-storey extension plan to create more space for an additional 360 students.
The forward-thinking college is expanding its town centre campus to address the growing demand for high-tech professionals and small businesses in the area. The brand new six-story metal-clad extension on the College Road side of the building will feature 19 new classrooms, staff accommodation, and learning support space. The extension boasts a stunning roof garden, with breath-taking views of the moorland.
But what does all this mean for your child’s education? With the new addition, Rochdale Sixth Form College will continue to provide your child with top-quality education, including basic skills development, higher-level qualifications, A-Levels, degrees, and apprenticeships. The ‘outstanding’ college will create new teaching posts, providing enhanced teaching experience – to ensure your child receives the very best in education.
The college’s success has made a significant contribution to the town, and the need for continuous growth in teaching excellence is ‘imperative for Rochdale’s economic future and the community’s sustainability.’ The extension’s design celebrates the College’s relationship to the surrounding moorland, making it an essential part of the town’s fabric.
To ensure the college can continue to provide the highest quality of education, additional accommodation is imperative, and the Council has approved the planning application. The extension will add value to your child’s education by maintaining high quality and meeting the increasing demand.
The college’s expansion plan will include leasing additional car parking spaces at the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, ensuring your child’s access to the college is excellent. With easy access to walking, cycling, and public transport links, there is little need for additional parking spaces, making the plan acceptable.
The opportunity for your child’s future academic growth is limitless, and this expansion of Rochdale Sixth Form College will secure your child’s place in their excellent institution. Don’t let your child’s academic success be hampered by limitations. With the new extension, Rochdale Sixth Form College is setting your child up for a bright, prosperous, and fulfilling future.
So, what are you waiting for? Secure your child’s future today by enrolling them at Rochdale Sixth Form College.
