Accrington and Rossendale College awarded a £1.5million grant to upgrade buildings

Thursday, 10 April 2025 14:57

By Bill Jacobs

Accrington and Rossendale College has been awarded a £1.5million grant to invest in upgrading its college buildings.

It has been given the power to spend the funding pot as needed, boosting the local economy

The government has announced an investment of £302million to repair leaky roofs, broken windows and dilapidated buildings in Further Education (FE) colleges across the country.

As part of this scheme, Hyndburn will receive £1.5million, reflecting the government’s priority to train the next generation of skilled workers and grow the economy.

This funding is the first capital investment for FE colleges in two years.

Not only will the cash injection fix crumbling buildings, it will also enable colleges to attract and retain learners.

Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith said: “Nothing is more important to me than making sure that every young person in Hyndburn and Haslingden has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

“With this money, our local college will be able to improve their technical education offer and meet the skills needed for our local employers.

“We are absolutely committed to breaking down all of the barriers to opportunity for our young people and this is one step of many in achieving this”

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “FE colleges are vital to our mission to grow the economy.

“They are at the heart of training the next generation of skilled workers.

“But the FE college estate we inherited is in need of repairs to extend the life of college buildings.

“This funding addresses these issues, allowing colleges to focus on what they do best: breaking down barriers to opportunity by teaching the next generation in buildings fit for purpose.”