The FE commissioner's team is set to conduct a strategic review on how a college site should be used once education delivery stops.
Askham Bryan College's board has agreed in principle, that the Newton Rigg campus will stop delivering education and training from July 2021 due to financial viability. It is expected that transfer of ownership will take place at the beginning of the 2021-22 academic year.
The statement from the commissioner’s team said that several interested parties had approached the college with proposals for the future use of the site.
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Tim Whitaker, chief executive officer and principal, Askham Bryan College, said: “We understand the strength of feeling about Newton Rigg, and are committed to supporting the strategic review given the interest expressed in the potential future use of the site.
“The statutory consultation process with Newton Rigg staff and the trade unions is continuing and is unaffected by the strategic review of proposals from interested parties. The College anticipates taking a final decision on its involvement in the future of Newton Rigg this July 2020.”
“We regret putting staff at risk of redundancy and are doing all we can to support colleagues at this difficult time. However, following the Newton Rigg review the College Corporation concluded that the campus is not financially viable and would require ongoing investment to keep pace with industry skills.”
