ACCRINGTON and Rossendale college will tomorrow unveil the first phase of a £9million makeover designed to ensure its students "get the excellent facilities they deserve".

The college is undergoing a major building project which will see the bulk of its operations at one site at its campus in Sandy Lane, Accrington due to be completed by July next year.

And the £3million first phase of the project has now been completed.

A new disabled-friendly building and reception area which will be used primarily for 14 to 19-year-olds has been built on to the existing and refurbished Michael Austin Building used by adult learners.

Both will now be known collectively as the Broad Oak Centre and the main vehicle and pedestrian access to the campus has been moved to Broad Oak Road, where the college's new reception and main entrance are now situated.

The Broad Oak Centre includes: l innovation centre the top floor facility includes an 85 seat lecture theatre and conference suite.

l five classrooms
l office suite used by students
l computer-aided design (CAD) suite
l two science laboratories
l eight information technology workshops and suite allowing exams to be taken online
l library
l a shop
l principal's and management offices

The new-look facilities are being followed up with a final phase costing £6 million which will see the college demolish all its outdated 1950s buildings and create a 1,500 square metre building and refurbishment of existing buildings and 346 new parking spaces.

The new build will include a 200-seat theatre, dance and drama studios, hair and beauty salons, recording studios and accommodation for all of the college's corporate support services.

The new campus will be complete in June 2007 and will see the closure of its campus in Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, with its users mainly hair and beauty, performing arts, media and music students transferring to the facilities in Accrington.

But the college will not be severing its links with Rossendale entirely as it plans to retain its sites at Hurstdale House, Hurst Lane, Rawtenstall and The Maden Centre in Rochdale Road, Bacup, where courses such as computing and community courses are run.

It also provides courses at community venues in the area.

The Learning and Skills Council has provided 35 per cent of the money for the project with the rest paid for with loans the college has secured.

Principal Nancy Cookson said the cost was a price worth paying.

"Hyndburn and Rossendale's young people deserve the best possible education and having a single campus will provide excellent facilities in a wide range of vocational areas to do this.

"These range from construction to hairdressing and beauty and ensure students will have the skills they need and support efforts to regenerate East Lancashire."

In 2007, the college expects to serve around 1,500 students and around 7,000 adult learners.