拢50m to upgrade colleges
Successful colleges across England to receive at least 拢225,000 to modernise facilities, with some receiving up to 拢1 million.
Business Secretary made the announcement at Working Men鈥檚 College in Camden alongside Further Education Minister .
The funding will be matched by the colleges and is expected to attract significant private investment to renovate buildings and provide students with modern equipment.
Dr Cable said:
鈥淚n allocating this 拢50 million funding, we have seen some impressive bids come in for ambitious and innovative projects from colleges that are planning for the future.
鈥淗elping colleges modernise their facilities will give them a much-needed boost at a time when education could not be more important, and I am glad we have been able to provide them with this support.鈥�
Mr Hayes said:
鈥淲e are keeping our promises to the sector by providing colleges with the funding that will make a real difference to thousands of students, lecturers, and the communities they live and work in.
鈥淐olleges should be inspiring places, where students can gain new skills and enjoy new experiences that transform their lives.
The 拢50 million grant comprises 拢30 million of Renewal Grant, split equally between eligible colleges; and 拢20 million of Enhanced Renewal Grant, taking some allocations up to 拢1m.
Building will start immediately on most projects, with new facilities becoming available from the start of the 2011 academic year
The grants have come from the reallocation of the Train to Gain scheme, which Mr Hayes this year.
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