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New education hub in
Croxteth set for go ahead
PLANS for a multi million pound
redevelopment of Myerscough College's facilities at Croxteth Park in Liverpool
are set to get the green light.
Myerscough College provides a very specific, vocational and land use based
education service, which is the only one of its kind on Merseyside.
A report to the Cabinet, on Friday, 25 November 2016, is recommending that the former
Glendale Council Depot is transferred to the College, on a lease
basis and redeveloped as new, expanded teaching facilities to replace their
current outdated and inflexible accommodation.
The City Council is to contribute £500,000 to the scheme by way of a discounted
rent on the site, over the next 10 years, in addition to £1 million from the
College and £2 million from the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise
Partnership (LEP).
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Cabinet member for regeneration, said:-
"The
College does fantastic work but is working out of accommodation that is no
longer suitable for modern teaching methods.
It will enhance and improve their work and mean that students interested in
studying for the qualifications that they offer can do so in the best quality
surroundings.
As well as delivering good quality education and training, it will also boost
the local economy as local workers and apprentices will be employed during the
construction phase."
When complete, the new look Myerscough College Croxteth Centre; which was given
planning permission in October 2016; will be made up of single storey buildings
sited behind a wall opposite the Home Farm area of the site.
The new training facilities will include 3 animal studies blocks along with
stabling, aviaries and pens for goats, alpacas and hens adjacent to the Grade II
listed former Laundry House.
2 other buildings will be converted for animal housing and dog grooming, and a
3rd will be for reptiles, amphibians and tropical species as well as
accommodation for staff and students.
Helen Eaton, Myerscough's Assistant Principal for Liverpool said:-
"Myerscough Liverpool was first established in 1999 in partnership with the City
Council and over time we have developed to provide a range of courses at Croxteth Park.
We've worked closely with Glendale for a number of years and have been their
sole training provider for almost a decade and so taking control of their depot
is the next logical step of what will hopefully further enhance our education
offer to the students of Merseyside.
We carried out a review of our facilities at Croxteth Park before submitting our
plans and developing this area of the park is the most viable and cost
effective. We can't wait for work to begin."
Councillor Steve Munby, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, added:- "This
scheme complements our wider plans for Croxteth Park.
The new arrangements with Myerscough will increase our income and free up space
in Croxteth Hall and Farm.
The previous transfer of the Farm to NSC, a local social enterprise, has bought
new investment in the farm, increased visitor numbers, local jobs and saved the
City Council around £250,000 a year.
We will shortly be seeking a partner to run the Hall and Park so that they
become self sustaining."
Myerscough Liverpool was first established to support the delivery of the
college's Merseyside work based learning contract at Croxteth Hall. Over time
the facility has developed to support the delivery of full time, part time and
short courses in both land based and sports subjects including Animal Care,
Arboriculture, Equine and Horticulture. |
