GRANTHAM College’s £52 million redevelopment master plan, presented by planning consultants RG+P Ltd, has this week been approved by South Kesteven District Council planners.
The college’s plans to consolidate the nine sites it currently has, into three extensively redeveloped ones at the main campus covering Stonebridge Road, the Barracks on Sandon Road and Stonebridge House on St Catherine’s Road.
Two applications were put before and approved by SKDC’s development control committee – an outline application to demolish existing buildings and redevelop the three sites, and listed building consent to demolish modern buildings and extensions attached to the Grade II listed Stonebridge House.
The plans are for the eventual demolition of all of the current college buildings on the main campus, apart from Elsham House which will remain as a focal point.
From the current main campus there will be a new glazed reception relocated to look out onto the river along with new facilities for hospitality and catering, hair and beauty, an internet cafe and a business development centre.
A larger car park will be built to the east of the main campus, which will result in an extra 119 car parking spaces over the three sites.
The Barracks campus will continue to be the location of the construction department, but in new and improved buildings.
The approval of these applications enables the college to secure £2.28 million of funding from Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership to proceed with the development of the business centre which is hoped to commence later this year and be open by the end of 2016.
Principal and Chief Executive Linda Houtby said: ‘The College is clearly delighted that SKDC and the council have shown their support for the colleges proposals.
“Particular thanks to Coun Frances Cartwright who spoke on the colleges behalf at the panning committee outlining the college’s economic impact on the town both now and in the future.”
The re-development is a 10-20 year plan as funding will drive the build as and when it becomes available.
There is hope that a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for Stonebridge House will see the community get involved in heritage studies if approved.
The scale, appearance, access and landscaping currently remain as reserved matters which will go before the development control committee next month.
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