Artist impressions showing how the new engineering building could look

Preston College is applying for planning permission to start “an exciting new phase” in its history.

The College is applying for permission to demolish three buildings at its Fulwood campus it says are no longer fit for purpose.

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The current IT building, engineering building and gas workshops are the three buildings earmarked for demolition.

Meanwhile a new state of the art Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths building will be created in the North of the grounds.

A statement from on the College’s website says: “Work is beginning this winter on a new ‘In-Zone’ building which will create an improved student reception area for enrolment and student services & guidance whilst improving accessibility, connectivity and circulation around the campus.

“The refurbished space will provide enhanced and flexible learning environments with a focus on Enterprising activity and support.

The College is also currently preparing plans to develop a new building for Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths (STEM). This is timely as recent research has shown that the future jobs market is likely to favour those trained in these fields. The College is currently bidding for funding from the Skills Funding Agency for the STEM building and therefore the development proposals are subject to funding. As part of this development, some existing buildings will be demolished as they are no longer fit for purpose.

“It is proposed that the STEM building be located at the front of the campus close to the main reception building and sports hall, on the site of the tennis courts (which are now disused). It is considered that there is sufficient provision for sporting facilities within the College, and therefore it is not proposed to provide any new sporting facilities. However, an area of informal greenspace will be provided on site.”

Plans submitted to Preston City Council show designs by IBI Group.

How the interior of the new In Zone building could look, it would link the two parts of the campus together

They state: “The appearance of the building will reflect the requirements of the internal spaces and the advanced technologies being taught inside.

“A modern and functional design with crisp detailing to compliment the neighbouring Dance Studios and Performing Arts Building.

“A modern and lightweight metal cladding will be used at high level.”

The College are seeking feedback on their plans, they are available to view on the College website and you can also see the full plans submitted to the city council.

The plans will go to the city council’s planning committee in early 2014 for a decision to be made.

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals can do so via the council website or emailing devcon@preston.gov.uk and quoting reference number 06/2013/0830.

All comments must be made by Wednesday 8 January 2014.

Are you a student at Preston College? Or a teacher? What do you think about the plans? Let us know in the comments below