Former Co-op site transferred to college to build new premises

Tamworth Borough Council have completed the part demolition of a former Co-operative building as they prepare to hand it over South Staffordshire College to progress their plans for the new college in the heart of Tamworth town centre.

Contractors will soon begin building the new college facility, which delivers a combined investment of over £40million in Tamworth town centre.

Claire Boliver, chief executive principal for South Staffordshire College, said: "We are looking forward to developing our new facility in the town centre. Lots of work has been happening behind the scenes to finalise the inside of the building and prepare our teaching spaces ready for us to deliver courses such as health and social care, early years, engineering, electrical, catering, digital, construction and many more upon opening!

"We plan for teaching to begin at the new Tamworth College from January 2025. This means that many learners who are joining the college this September, will study their second year at our new Tamworth College building. We hope our new town centre location will make us more accessible whilst also supporting Tamworth Borough Council's town centre regeneration plans.

"The college would like to express its thanks to the Department of Education and Tamworth Borough Council for their significant support in the project."

The new college investment is additional to £21million Future High Streets Fund projects that Tamworth Borough Council are delivering, which seeks to transform the town centre into the busy, thriving heart of the community.

Tamworth Borough Council, with delivery partner Speller Metcalfe, are working to deliver a work programme including:

� A new Enterprise Centre in the original 19th Century former Co-operative building on Colehill, preserving and renovating this historic building.
� Middle Entry renovations which will see some vacant units demolished to be replaced by a new flexible, multi-use building for independent small businesses.
� Restoration and refurbishment of the late 18th century former Peel Caf�, bringing a historic building back into use in a way that enhances its original Georgian features.
� Restoration and refurbishment of the historic vacant properties on Market Street and creating a wider footbridge into the castle grounds.
� Public realm works that will link all the projects together.

Councillor Paul Turner, leader of the council, said: “This is a huge step forward with the Future High Streets project work. We are delighted to now complete the demolition of the former 1960s part of the Co-op and look forward to seeing South Staffordshire College build their new facility.

“The aspiring plans for our town will soon see the changes to Middle Entry, Market Street take place and the renovation work on the old existing Co-op building to deliver new offices and meeting space.

“Throughout all the work the town will feel very different and there will be disruption for a while, but the long-term plans will help us rejuvenate Tamworth town centre to meet the needs of a modern-day town. ”