Oldham College has refurbished and transformed spaces at its Rochdale Road campus after securing more than £1.3million in funding.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) awarded the college over £400,000, which, together with its own contributions, paid for an expansion of the Automotive Centre. An unused polytunnel has been removed and a new dedicated modular building put in its place.

The college said the expanded centre supports training in motor vehicle maintenance and repair, and allows modern green technologies and sustainability to be built into the curriculum.

A further £900,000 or more in grant funding has been used to update and reconfigure plumbing provision. The investment has created additional high-specification plumbing workshops and freed space for brand-new electrical training bays. According to the college, this has increased capacity to train learners in these high-demand areas.

University Campus Oldham (UCO) has also been updated. UCO now operates across two sites: its existing town centre location on University Way and the Oldham College campus on Rochdale Road. Both have been renovated and refurbished, with classroom and communal spaces improved and fitted with new equipment.

Simon Jordan, Principal and CEO of Oldham College, said: "I am delighted with the recent upgrades to the Oldham College estate. New and improved spaces at Oldham College will provide capacity for increased student numbers in our high-demand plumbing, electrical and automotive areas, equipping more students with the skills required to embark on rewarding careers in these evolving sectors."

He added that spreading UCO's provision across two campuses would strengthen the visibility of the progression route for Oldham College students, and that the investments show a commitment to modern, industry-standard facilities.

People can see the spaces at an all-ages Open Event on Saturday 14th November, 10:30am-1:00pm.