Sir Richard Leese joined students from Bridge College and The Manchester College on 7th November to mark the start of a £6.9 million education project in East Manchester.
Sir Richard, Leader of Manchester City Council, led proceedings at the ground breaking ceremony. Bridge College is an independent specialist college for the further education of students with learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs. The collaborative project between Bridge College and The Manchester College is the first of its kind in the region. The multimillion pound, purpose built site will be shared by students from both colleges. Bridge College, operated by the Together Trust, is currently located in Stockport. The innovative facility will be a unique centre of expertise in specialist education with highly specialised learning support including speech and language, physio, hydro and occupational therapies, tutors and support work teams. The new site, opening in September 2012, will feature a learning hub for the development of social skills and independence, and an area dedicated to promoting horticulture and land based studies in an urban setting.
“The start of the construction work is a real landmark for the project and means we’re one step closer to bringing first class educational facilities to East Manchester and the surrounding areas,” said David Marriott, Chief Executive of the Together Trust. “By sharing knowledge and expertise, Bridge College and The Manchester College have created a project that will give regional and local residents with complex needs access to some of the best, most innovative services in the UK.”
Sir Richard Leese, Manchester City Council Leader, added; “Bridge College is an exciting new development for the City of Manchester, but it will also have tremendous benefits for students and families throughout the wider North West region. The project is a great example of how, by working together, organisations can achieve something truly pioneering and raise the bar within their sector.”
Peter Tavernor, Principal of The Manchester College, said; “This new facility marks the start of a groundbreaking partnership between the two colleges. Through co-location and collaborative working the two colleges will establish a truly inclusive centre of expertise that will serve as a developmental model for post-16 and post-19 education for learners with complex and high support needs.”
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