Plans being developed for new college campus in city

Plans are being drawn up to create a new college campus in Derby to train engineers and skilled industrial workers.

Officials have earmarked Lonsdale House in Lodge Lane to become a new campus for 16 to 18-year-olds, which will be led by the University of Derby, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The plan is to provide future talent for Derby's key sectors of aerospace, rail, nuclear, advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

Early plans to boost city education have been put together by the "Team Derby" partnership board after the Labour government gave it £10m to boost the city.

The news comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Derby "is at the heart" of the government's drive to reindustrialise the country.

Team Derby is made up of city MPs Baggy Shanker and Catherine Atkinson, in partnership with Derby City Council, East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and alongside leaders in business and education.

The team has set aside more than £6m from the funds for city centre improvements.

Just over £2m from the £10m sum has been allocated to help deliver the new campus on the outskirts of the city centre.

The campus will include classrooms, engineering workshops, student welfare facilities and breakout space.

The project remains subject to a detailed business case and completion of due diligence processes.

A council report said: "The investment will enhance Derby's capacity to deliver specialist engineering and technical education, helping to meet increasing demand for high-quality technical training and strengthening progression into apprenticeships, higher education and skilled employment."

Clarification 12 November: This article has been updated to make clear the plans are for a new campus, rather than a standalone college.

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