The £11m complex will be a modern state-of-the-art development that will complement the existing college facilities available to students and members of the public at its £64 million Wisemore Campus. Work is expected to start on the build next summer and will be completed by September 2015 if the college is given funding approval. It is anticipated that the project will create a total of 250 jobs.
The college's Governing Body has approved plans for the hub, which will include a business incubation centre providing support and mentoring to anyone looking to set up a business or enterprise project. The college hopes this centre will help to address the regional enterprise deficit, facilitate growth in the local economy and help boost employment opportunities.
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The sports element of the hub will feature a sports hall with badminton courts to Sport England standards, dance and fitness studios, a sports training and injury clinic and spa facilities. This will enhance the current sports facilities available to college students and provide increased opportunities for learners with disabilities or learning difficulties to participate in sport. The venue will also be available to the community to help promote increased participation in sport and healthy living through physical activity.
Director of Operations and Resources at Walsall College, Deb Rajania who is responsible for the project, said: "The Walsall Business and Sports Hub is the next phase of our learning campus development and we are delighted that Walsall Council is supporting our vision to increase participation in sport and wealth creation for our learners and wider Walsall community.
"The college was rated as outstanding by Ofsted this year. We are very committed to going beyond outstanding by continuing to support the regeneration of Walsall with the development of employability and enterprise skills with the help of Walsall Council."
(CD/MH)
