Spending review slows Paston College plan

A �23m rebuild of Paston College is likely to be delayed because of a national spending review of college projects.The government's Learning and Skills Council, which provides the money for such schemes, is taking a look at those in the pipeline because of the huge demand for its cash, and the impact of the property slump on some of the rebuilds.

A �23m rebuild of Paston College is likely to be delayed because of a national spending review of college projects.

The government's Learning and Skills Council, which provides the money for such schemes, is taking a look at those in the pipeline because of the huge demand for its cash, and the impact of the property slump on some of the rebuilds.

Paston and regional LSC officials held two meetings in recent days, and afterwards vice-principal Tim Ellen said: 'A decision is now not likely until April or May when it was originally going to be March. So there will be a delay. But we are confident we still have a good case.'

It was hoped to have a relocated college open on its new Station Road site by September 2011 - which now looked unlikely , though they would still seek to open in that same academic year.

Mr Ellen said: 'It is question of demand and supply. We think we have got a very good case, because of our academic successes, growth in the numbers of students and difficulties with the existing site - particularly with energy costs.'

The college has said it is in a better position than many others regarding property prices, as only a small portion of its funding relies on selling land and buildings, on the Lawns part of its split site.