THIS is what a landmark Worcester building will look like after it is transformed into a new college campus thanks to a £1.6m Government grant.

Yesterday Worcester College of Technology learnt it had been awarded the enhanced renewal grant from the Government to part-fund its move into the former Russell and Dorrell furniture store. The new building will offer better facilities for students and will allow the college to increase its range of courses.

The building was bought by the college last year and will replace its outdated Barbourne campus, which is to be sold. Courses currently offered at Barbourne will be transferred to the city centre campus.

Stuart Laverick, principal and chief executive of Worcester College of Technology, said the project would not only improve facilities and offer more opportunities for students, it would also have a positive impact on the local economy.

“This is an exciting milestone for the college which has been achieved with the valued support of the city council and our member of parliament Robin Walker,” he said.

“The project will not only help safeguard the future of young people within Worcestershire but also support the continuous investment in Worcester city’s economy.”

The proposed designs will keep the structural shell of the current building as well as the existing ground floor feature windows but all other windows will be replaced with modern double glazing.

The building’s interior will be transformed into a spacious learning zone, which will include state of the art hair and beauty training salons, a travel agency and coffee shop, as well as new art and design studios equipped with the latest technology.

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said receiving the grant was “great news” for the college.

“It will actually make a real difference,” said Mr Walker.

“The college was going to make the move anyway, but now they can keep their own funds for investment.”

It is hoped that the building and its facilities will be available to community groups who work with the college.

Over the next 12 months, staff, students and local residents will be invited to consultation meetings about the project, which will be completed by September 2014.

For more information visit wortech.ac.uk.