College makes new bid for £3million building

Exmouth Community College has put in a new funding bid for a £3million building on its Green Close site.

The college received planning permission for the scheme last year, but a bid for funding at that time was unsuccessful.

However, the college has now submitted a new, improved bid to the Department of Education, which if successful will see £184,000 for the build coming from the college’s own funds.

The new building would house a new library, theatre, reception area, and four new classrooms, – and would allow the college to create eight new classrooms elsewhere using vacated library and hall space.

College principal Tony Alexander said: “The building is the same [as last year’s application], but we’ve cut costs without reducing the quality, and have put in a considerable sum of our own money.

“It will revolutionise the school if we get it. It will be a huge boost.”

The college’s need for new facilities has previously seen it linked with the Rolle College site, and Mr Alexander says that even if the college’s own build is successful it would still be interested in renting accommodation on the Rolle site to develop a post-14 vocational facility.

However, with Rolle Exmouth currently facing a battle to secure funds to save Rolle, Mr Alexander admits there is some frustration with the situation.

“It is a great disappointment that Rolle still lies empty when we are in great need of extra facilities and buildings,” he said.

“If only five years ago had we been given the £3million needed to purchase and renovate it we would have had no need for new buildings.

“I’ve been in close communication with [Rolle Exmouth chairman] Roy Pryke and the group trying to save Rolle, and with Bicton College, and we’re keen to work with them, but unfortunately at the moment we’re just awaiting the outcome of events.”

Mr Alexander says the college is expecting to know the results of its building funding bid by April 4.