BUILDING work on an ambitious £10 million centre of engineering excellence will start within months after the development was granted planning permission.

Construction of the new South Durham University Technical College, which will provide high quality engineering and advanced manufacturing training for hundreds of teenagers, will start in September.

The college at Aycliffe Business Park, in Newton Aycliffe, close to Hitachi Rail Europe’s new flagship 730-job factory and car parts maker Gestamp Tallent, was today (Tuesday, July 7) given the go-ahead by members of Durham County Council’s County Planning Committee.

The centre, a state-funded but independently run college for up to 600 teenage students aged 14 to19, is being developed as a partnership between Sunderland University, Hitachi and Gestamp Tallent.

Chair of Trustees Professor Gary Holmes of the University of Sunderland, said: “This is good news for us and a major milestone for the UTC. Contractors can now start work on site later this summer.

“This landmark decision will allow us to realise our ambition to create an environment where students can thrive and develop the abilities that industry needs.”

The 5,200-square metre technical college in Long Tens Way was unanimously given the go-ahead subject to satisfactory wildlife surveys, with the building scheduled to open in September 2016.

The T-shaped college will include a three-storey block for teaching practical engineering skills and a two-storey teaching bock for classroom-based subjects, along with a sports hall and a games area for basketball and tennis.

A statement by the applicants’ agent submitted to the committee at County Hall said the new college would make “a significant contribution to the vibrant engineering sector in this region and to the life chances of hundreds of young people.

“The intention is that students would develop skills specific to those required by businesses in the local area.”

Cllr Henry Nicholson told councillors: “It will be an absolutely boon to our young people.”

Former ICI engineer and Ashington High School vice-principal Tom Dower has been appointed to lead the school.

He said: “I’m delighted with this news. The design of our new school enables us to teach in innovative ways and provide an exciting learning environment for students.

“Our location means that we can build close links with local employers who can offer placements, mentoring and project activities to our students.”

David Land, UTC South Durham Trustee responsible for building and facilities, said: “We are pleased that we have received unanimous approval from the planning authority subject to the finalisation of the ecology report.”