UNIVERSITY bosses in Blackburn have announced expansion plans - just a year after it opened its doors to students.

Within the next five to 10 years Blackburn College bosses are looking to create additional teaching facilities between the existing University Centre of Barbara Castle Way and the new PCT building off Alma Street.

The decision to extend comes on the back of the success of the new £14million centre which opened in September.

And before that work begins plans to extend the site are already underway with planning permission expected to be granted at the end of the month and construction to be completed by October.

Vice Principal Yana Williams revealed the college’s £500,000 extension to the front of the building by the cafe and student area would ‘increase study space, social space and student support.’ A glass structure will be constructed to overlook the college campus and will provide 240m2 of extra space for students to use for either studying or socialising.

The Student Union will be moved to the extension, wifi access will be available to all students and a green roof could be planted over a waterproofing membrane.

Vice principal Yana Williams said: “ In the next five to ten years the college would like to expand the University Centre to accommodate more students and inspire the local community both students and businesses.

“Due to the increase in student numbers of 299 for September 2010 and the high demand for places this year the college has recognised the need to expand the Higher Education building.

“The college is eager to expand its Higher Education provision further and this would need to be supported by additional buildings.

“This extension could be built in the area next to the University Centre between Barbara Castle Way and the new PCT building.

“However there are many changes planned to the education system and any expansion is dependent on the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review and the Browne Review both of which will report in the Autumn."