Peterborough College operator welcomes ‘much-needed’ £2m government cash injection to address ‘critical condition’ of facilities
Inspire Education Group has been awarded more than £2 million by the Department for Education
An education group which operates Peterborough College and University Centre Peterborough has welcomed a “much-needed” £2 million cash injection from the government to address the “critical condition” of its facilities.
Inspire Education Group, which operates the two sites as well as Stamford College, received £2,391,598.37 at the end of March as part of a £38 million government commitment to rejuvenate “run-down” colleges.
The funds will be spent on areas such as repairing leaky roofs, fixing broken windows and updating worn-out heating systems.
The government intends to invest £1.7 billion in modernising college buildings by 2030.
A spokesperson for Inspire Education Group said: “We welcome the government’s much-needed capital investment, which is essential to address the critical condition of existing buildings across our estates, at both our colleges in Peterborough and Stamford. However, while funding for the maintenance of ageing facilities is important, we urgently need serious, sufficient, and sustained investment in new and expanded facilities for students, to ensure we can continue to meet demand and provide employers with the skilled and technical workforce they need.”
Inspire Education Group was one of 19 college corporations awarded a share of the £38 million fund.
The government says that the upgrades will restore pride in the East of England’s colleges and break down barriers to opportunity for students, with fewer disruptions to lessons, more comfortable learning environments, and better spaces for students to focus and succeed.
MP for Peterborough Andrew Pakes said: “I’ve made fighting for better support for Peterborough College a priority of mine from day one, so I’m really pleased to see this £2 million boost from the Labour Government.
“Peterborough College – and the Inspire Education Group – are critical to improving opportunities for young people and increasing the quality and number of apprenticeships available for employers and learners.
“This is a good start, and I will be working with the college to bring in further investment to the city so that we can continue to improve college facilities.”
Inspire Education Group was formed in 2020 through the merger of Peterborough Regional College, University Centre Peterborough, and New College Stamford.