Derby College in Ilkeston reveals relocation plan
Derby College says it plans to move to a new campus in Ilkeston by allowing its current site to be used for a new supermarket and housing.
College bosses are looking at three sites in the town after deciding against a refurbishment of its Field Road campus.
Chief executive David Croll said he hoped to have the new premises open by September 2013.
He added that a new supermarket would help to regenerate Ilkeston.
The Ilkeston campus became part of Derby College when it merged with South East Derby College in February 2010.
Mr Croll said options for the new premises, which would accommodate 1,000 students, included the redundant magistrates court on New Lawn Road.
'Heart of town'
He did not say where the other two sites were but said the move would aim to give the college a central location.
He said: "When we merged with South East Derbyshire College, it was clear the current site was not fit for purpose and we have been looking at the various alternatives open to us.
"We have of course considered the option of refurbishing the site at Field Road but have decided that, in the interests of our staff, students and for Ilkeston as a whole, the college needs to be at the heart of the town.
"This will not only benefit local businesses through the spending power of more than 1,000 staff and students but will also hopefully kick start the regeneration of the rest of the town centre with investment in a key site as has happened at our other sites in Derby."
The college has developed outline plans for Field Road with developers St James Securities.
The proposals will be put out to public consultation before being submitted to Erewash Borough Council.