Exciting future for Riverside College (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Exciting future for Riverside College

7:21am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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EXCITING, iconic designs could soon give Riverside College a vibrant new image, the World can reveal.

The 60s Kingsway campus and the former sixth form site in Cronton Lane are set to be re-built in a £54m project.

"It is exciting," said principal Pat Grunwell.

"Our ultimate vision is iconic, something quite modern."

The plans have been given the go-ahead by the college's board of governors following a feasibility study and are now waiting approval from the Learning & Skills Council.

A decision is expected by December.

A new Cronton campus is set to open in 2011, with Kingsway shortly afterwards.

The investment comes a year after Riverside was formed, following the merger of Halton College and Widnes and Runcorn Sixth Form College.

A full senior management team has now been appointed to lead the 500-strong staff and more than 8,000 students.

"It is a wonderful time for new people to be part of our team," said Mrs Grunwell.

"We have completed a full re-organisation. Every job has been evaluated. People were on different contracts.

"There were no compulsory redundancies, only some voluntary severances.

"I am proud of all our staff who have worked extremely hard. Everything is now in place and we are raring to go."

Hair and beauty salons, a cafe and restaurant will be created on the ground floor of the new Kingsway campus.

A new gym and extra sports facilities will be built in Cronton, where a rugby academy is already being developed with Widnes Vikings.

"We want to be part of the community and encourage more people to come in and use our facilities," said Mrs Grunwell, who is also developing links and student placements at Daresbury Science Park.

l Anna Dawe is the new assistant principal responsible for A-levels and higher education.

Lyn Rhodes is assistant principal, in charge of skills and enterprise.

Julie Holland is deputy principal, looking after finance and resources.

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