A NEW £9m plus Bury College centre is nearly complete ahead of welcoming its first students later this year.

An official topping out ceremony has been held at the Health and Digital Centre, which is set to be ready to be used this autumn. 

Cladding and adding windows to the structure will be the next steps before the internal work starts.

The building will provide facilities for a range of courses from advanced to degree level, and will include courses that could lead to jobs in health and nursing as well as computing and digital roles.

T-Levels will be available and a brand-new Esports course will be available too.

A focus will be put on hands-on and industry-led learning which will allow students to gain qualifications needed for their future careers.

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for future generations delivered here at Bury College.

"It is a huge achievement for everyone involved, and I would like to wish everyone who will be starting a course in the new building good luck.

“As the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on T-Levels, it is especially exciting that the new T-Level qualifications will be taught in the new building.

"The split between classroom learning and work placements is a great way for students to get out into the local industry.”

MP for Bury North, James Daly, added: “It’s great to see Bury College widening its offer across so many different departments.

"This will have a huge impact on the student’s education.

“Building strong links between education and industry is very important, and this new building will be the perfect place for that.”

Robert Smith, managing the new build with his construction company H.H. Smith & Sons Co. Ltd, also emphasised the benefits the new facilities would have for the town.

He said: “We’re going to be in a position soon where we can start employing people who have learned their trade in this very building. It’s great to have a good partnership with a local college.”