A bid by The Bedford College Group to access funds to re-launch the Wellingborough campus of Tresham College has been approved by the SEMLEP Skills Capital Fund, subject to final independent risk assessment and due diligence.
In Autumn 2017, Further Education colleges based in the SEMLEP area were invited to submit project proposals to bid for funding to improve college buildings, training facilities or equipment.
The three successful project proposals, submitted by Milton Keynes College, The Bedford College Group and Northampton College were shortlisted based on an independent assessment in-line with our Assurance Framework, undertaken by Regeneris, SEMLEP’s major projects appraisers.
Further work on due-diligence to review full details around project risks, value for money and the project timetables is due to start with a final decision on funding to be taken at the SEMLEP Board meeting in July or September 2018.
The Bedford College Group proposal aims to complete a full refurbishment of buildings and improved access at the Wellingborough campus.
Dr Ann Limb CBE DL, Chair of SEMLEP said, “Enhancing the skills and education provision across the South East Midlands is crucial to raising the aspirations and achievements of our young people in our area.
“This Skills Capital Fund injects much needed investment into colleges to further support young people to develop skills fit for the world of work.”
The Bedford College Group CEO Ian Pryce CBE said:
We are delighted to be chosen as one of the three build project in the SEMLEP area to be taken through to the final stages. Our proposal to refurbish Tresham College’s existing site at Wellingborough will enable us to offer the community across East Northamptonshire a much wider range of courses, qualifications and apprenticeships that address current skills gaps and better meet local employers’ needs.
SEMLEP is a public-private partnership set up in 2011 to drive economic growth across the South East Midlands.
