A NEW £6.74million science and engineering centre for Bury College is back on track - with a new location.

Plans are being advanced for a new health innovation STEM (Science, Maths, Engineer and Technology) facility, with the support of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Growth Deal Funding.

An approval was secured last year for £2.25million towards the overall cost of the centre, which was then to be located at Pyramid Park.

Further discussions have taken place over the past 12 months, over science, technology and healthcare educational requirements, in the area.

And now the GMCA-backed Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership has reaffirmed its commitment to the ambitious project, now to be built on the site of the former Peel health centre, at the corner of Market Street and Angouleme Way.

College principal Charlie Deane said: "Since approval, the college has worked closely with the GMCA and Bury Council in order to ensure the planned offer in vital areas such as healthcare, science, technology and management and professional subjects will meet local and Greater Manchester skills priorities.

"This ongoing support has provided confidence that these courses will be in the best interest of future learners and equip them with strong, relevant employability skills."

He outlined that some of the course development work and infrastructure necessary for the initiative to be a success, with a range of higher education courses, such as higher national certificates in healthcare practice and computing and degrees in business management and accounting and finance, being available at Bury from September.

College bosses say the STEM project will link in well with their new A Level Centre, opened last September.

In a report to the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership, plans for the release of £2.25million in skills capital funding was reaffirmed this week.

Simon Nokes, executive director for policy and strategy, said the funding for the Bury project had been "paused" while talks were held with the borough council, to ensure an "aligned curriculum" with Bolton University.

Mr Nokes added: "This has now been resolved due to close working and support between Bury College and Bury Council."

Cllr Sean Fielding, GMCA Lead for Employment, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity to ensure we are equipping learners with the skills they need in Health, Innovation and STEM.

"It will give people access to high quality education and training and while it will help them in to employment, it will also help attract specialist businesses to the area.

“The Local Growth Fund is all about benefitting the local area and economy and we believe this investment will do this. We are now looking forward to this project progressing and providing it with our support.”