Learning Zone moves one step nearer

8:27am Tuesday 27th November 2007

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PLANS for a £10million centre for education will move forward after all the funding was secured.

Planning approval has already been secured for the Learning Zone on the old gasholder site but the project was being held up while the money was found.

Cheshire county councillor Tony Hooton said: "It now looks like the funding package is in place which is great news.

"It has taken a long time to get to this point but things are moving forward."

Mid Cheshire College has led the project that will provide courses for 450 students aged between 14 and 19 as well as adult education. The gasholder site is seen as the gateway to the town and it is hoped the Learning Zone will be part of an education revolution in Winsford which could also see a £40million superschool for primary and secondary education on Verdin Fields.

Although no date has yet been set for building work to start it is hoped the Learning Zone will be open in September 2009.

Clr Hooton said: "The borough and county council are now working together on the issues surrounding the Learning Zone so we can carry on moving forward.

"I wish I could give you a date when building work will start but at the moment that isn't possible.

"But the main thing is that things are progressing and I hope it will be open by September 2009.

"This is going to be brilliant for Winsford and I am delighted."

White Young Green have been brought in to provide civil and structural design services for the project.