THE sale of a package of land in Bromsgrove belonging to NEW College will mean an exciting future awaits students at the Redditch and Bromsgrove campuses.

Following negotiations, an agreement has been reached with Whitbread Plc, which will be buying a large area of land next to the Bromsgrove campus.

If planning permission is granted, Whitbread Plc intends to build a range of leisure facilities on the newly acquired land.

The college will use the proceeds from the sale in a series of new building projects and improvements to existing buildings at both its campuses.

The college hopes these improvements will lead to it becoming one of the most modern and technologically advanced learning environments in the country, benefiting students, the community and businesses.

David Hall, director of estates and services for NEW College, said: "This is an extremely exciting time for the college and we are really looking to the future.

"A lot of what we are going to do to improve the two campuses has not even been decided yet - there are so many immense possibilities.

"We'll be improving buildings based on the results of an estate review carried out several months ago and looking to replace the art and design area we lost.

"We're delighted we were able to sell the land to someone whose range of business fits in so well with the courses we offer.

"Many of our students, such as the leisure and catering students, will find this an invaluable source of work experience.

"The sale of this land is extremely good news for everybody involved in the college and the community at large."