A vacant shop unit in Ashton Town Centre could create an extra 350 spaces for learners from September 2026.
The move followes the approval by Tameside Council to lease the former Wilko unit to Tameside College and would see an additional eleven classrooms, additional examination space and ancillary accommodation as an extension to their current base adjacent to this unit.
Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture Cllr Leanne Feeley said: ‘’I’m delighted to let residents know about the exciting decision to lease our unit to Tameside College. Enabling spaces like this in our borough ensures that our young people can access a high quality, enjoyable and inclusive education, supporting them to reach their full potential. Not only is this great for our young people, it also supports our aims of reigniting our town centres.‘’
Jackie Moores, Principal and CEO of Tameside College and Clarendon Sixth Form College and John Lyne, Chair of the Corporation said:
“We are excited about this opportunity as it allows the college to continue to meet the needs of more of our local school leavers at a time when the college has no space to grow further. The college has a longstanding relationship with the LA and we have been fully supported by officers and elected members to ensure that more Tameside young people can access high quality educational estate. This continues the decade long ‘Vision Tameside’ strategy to secure high quality estate for learners and our staff, in which to work, study and meet the skills needs of local and regional employers. It also aligns with the GM Combined Authority and DfE desire to support the school leaver ‘bulge’ in GM. The project is subject to securing additional capital funding and Board approval by the Corporation. We hope to be in a position to agree the lease by the end of the summer.”
