A WORLD class campus to be developed in Bolton has finally been given the green light.

Bolton Community College and Bolton Sixth Form learned yesterday they will receive £90 million to develop a new joint campus off Deane Road, Bolton.

There were fears at the start of the year the Learning and Skills Council would not fund the building in light of the economic climate, and it delayed releasing the cash for four months while it carried out a review.

Bolton Community College’s new site will feature hi-tech facilities including a large sports hall and gymnasium, hair and beauty salon, performing arts studio, together with a new training restaurant and catering facilities and a purpose-built construction centre.

In addition, the Sixth Form College campus will have a modern “learning environment” focused on the needs of 16-19 year-old students.

Carol Bannerman, principal of Bolton Community College, said: “We are thrilled with the news and excited about the future. Our vision is for the college to become a beacon of learning success, providing the very best in vocational training and a lasting legacy for future generations. This world class development will provide state-of-the-art facilities for outstanding education and training.”

Steve Wetton, principal of Bolton Sixth Form College, added: “This fantastic development will be completed in time for students who are currently in Year 10, providing them with high quality education and training and enabling them to continue their studies in what will probably be the best resourced campus in the country.”

Bolton Council’s executive member for development, Cllr John Byrne, said: “This development is the cornerstone of the Innovation Zone and this landmark level of investment will make a major contribution to the future of education in Bolton.

“The facilities will put us in a much stronger position to equip young people with the sorts of skills that will be in demand in the future, which will ultimately allow residents more opportunities to take advantage of the growing prosperity we are working to create through the regeneration of the town centre.”

The two sites were among only eight out of 87 postponed in December to be given the go-ahead in England.