FUNDING for a new multi-million pound educational centre at Bury College has been given the go-ahead.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority has approved £2,250,000 in Skills Capital funding for a Health Innovative STEM Centre — contributing to the project's estimated £6,745,782 building costs.

Based at the College campus on Market Street and Pyramid Park the new centre will open in September 2020, supplying 600 places for high quality education in science, technology, engineering and maths.

It will focus on leading the way in innovative healthcare technology, and support student employability by collaborating with new businesses.

The STEM centre comes as part of a huge overhaul and redevelopment of Bury College thanks to over £7 million from Bury MBC and the GMCA.

Also coming on line this year are a state-of-the-art A Level Centre, including purpose-built science labs, computing suites, and a language laboratory; a Digital Media Centre; new Business suite; a Travel and Tourism Hub; and new facilities for Foundation Studies students.

Bury College Principal, Charlie Deane, said: “This is wonderful news for current and future students and for business across Bury and Greater Manchester.

"This investment reflects the long-term vision of the college’s governors, leadership team and our close partners in Bury MBC and GMCA.

"The developments will enable more individuals to benefit from academic excellence, career-focussed skills and vital apprenticeships that our local employers want.

"Bury College is already in the top 10% nationally for progress in advanced level 3 vocational courses, as well as English and mathematics and these investments will help us to build on this even further."

Funding for the STEM centre has been awarded from £71 million secured by the GMCA for its Skills Capital projects, as part of the Local Growth Fund, between 2017 and 2020.

The projects aim to develop world-class, industry-standard learning facilities and support the priorities outlined in the Greater Manchester Work and Skills Strategy by ensuring the best possible environment and equipment for learners.

The Bury College STEM Centre will further be located on land supplied by Bury Council.

At present only "in principle" discussions about plans for the centre have taken place between Bury College and the council, and planning permission has not yet been applied for.

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, who sits as a Cabinet Member for Young People and member of the Mayoral Leadership Team at the GMCA, said: "This is an example of devolution in action and benefitting the people of this borough.

"The college's vision for the future is one that the Council not only endorses but will support with resources.

"Having a Health Innovative STEM Centre will provide access to high quality education and training which will open the doors to employment for generations to come and attract specialist businesses to the area.

"We are confident that the creation of the new centre will stimulate health, science and related technology activity bringing new businesses into Bury creating higher level, higher skilled and higher paying jobs which will contribute to our ambitious Growth Plan for the borough."