PERSHORE’S horticultural college is to be transformed after the announcement that its bid for millions of pounds’ worth of funding has been successful.

The college, part of Warwickshire College, has announced that it has been granted the money from the Skills Funding Agency to undertake the work.

Planning permission for the state-of-the-art development was granted last month by Wychavon District Council, as reported in the Journal, allowing work to start immediately on site.

The £5.8 million scheme will see the college revamped, with the key change being the addition of a contemporary glass building which will house a new science and technology centre.

There will also be a new collections house, new teaching rooms and project spaces and extensive research and development facilities.

The new building, which will replace old and now unused facilities, will also provide a stunning new reception area for the college and a viewing gallery over the collections house below.

Tamsin Jones, acting principal, said: “This is amazing news for the college, our students and our local community.

“This stunning new development will ensure we remain at the forefront of the horticulture industry and allow us to develop a centre of excellence in food production.

“It will allow our students to learn using leading-edge facilities, in collaboration with employers and partners, using the latest technology.

“The state-of-the-art facilities will benefit not only our students but local employers and the wider community. They will allow us to meet the skills shortage in horticulture and food production identified as a key priority for economic growth in our region.

“I would like to reiterate my thanks to all our local partners.”

The new developments are scheduled to be complete by September 2015, and current college activities and facilities for students will be unaffected during the works.