A £30M learning park planned for Darlington will include a university centre, travel agency and food court.

Darlington College of Technology wants its new campus to host learning centres that will run in partnership with local businesses and community groups.

Plans also include a young people's centre, a sports and leisure complex, hair and beauty salons, food court and restaurant, as well as a health and childcare centre.

It is hoped the learning park will open in August 2005.

The college is looking at sites in Darlington to house the development.

The majority are in the Morton Palms area but a town centre location is also under consideration. Its preferred site is the Torrington's factory in Yarm Road.

College principal and chief executive Sarah Farley said: "The move follows a review of college property and a study into the future educational and financial viability of the existing sites in Darlington.

"Students want modern learning facilities and resources in all the vocational programme areas, whether that is in workshops, studios, kitchens and classrooms."

Darlington College of Technology employs 500 staff and has more than 14,000 full and part-time students.

The plans are to be presented to the Learning Skills Council in the spring.