FUNDING has been confirmed for Bolton’s multi-million pound state-of-the-art University Technical College.

The Department for Education says that it will fund the £10 million new school and post-16 centre at the junction of University Way and Deane Road.

Subject to planning permission, building work can now start at the site.

Dr Zubair Hanslot, Provost of the University of Bolton and Project Director for UTC Bolton, said: “We are delighted to have had the funding confirmed and it’s now full speed ahead.

“Building should start in the next few weeks and we have begun recruiting the first students who will join us when we open in September 2015.”

The UTC – sponsored by the University of Bolton for those aged 14 to 19-years-old – is due to open in September 2015 and will specialise in health sciences and engineering technologies.

It will combine traditional academic learning with practical projects provided by local employers – including Cohens Chemist, which is helping design some of the UTC’s specialist laboratories.

Dr Hanslot added: “We are working with a number of local employers specialising in health sciences and engineering technologies to ensure both our curriculum and our facilities will prepare students for the world of work.

“When we open in September 2015 our students will be guaranteed 50 days’ work experience and will leave the UTC with an excellent understanding of their chosen specialism, the career opportunities available, and how to conduct themselves in the workplace environment.”