£50m boost for education in Suffolk

A VISION of Suffolk's state of the art £50m further education college has been proudly unveiled today by the man at its helm.Professor Dave Muller heralded the multi-million pound development as a massive boost for thousands of students of all ages.

A VISION of Suffolk's state of the art £50m further education college has been proudly unveiled today by the man at its helm.

Professor Dave Muller heralded the multi-million pound development as a massive boost for thousands of students of all ages.

Originally the renovation and rebuilding of Suffolk College in Ipswich was quoted as costing an estimated £45m. But now the true value and scope of the ambitious project has emerged as being even bigger.

The new college will provide those taking up full-time or part-time education with the highest standards of teaching in the most up-to-date environments.

Until now the plans for a university on the present site in Rope Walk have hogged the spotlight.

But today's exclusive interview with the college's principal, Professor Muller, offers an insight into the dynamic and vibrant Suffolk College of the future.

This 21st century, modern, hi-tech facility will provide the building blocks for students both young and old.

With its funding now agreed Professor Muller reveals just how much difference it will make to the lives of thousands.

Although it is an ambitious 10-year project in its entirety, he said Suffolk will have a "state of the art building for further education within three years from now."

In addition, historic buildings are also set to get a new lease of life, with the old Ipswich school of art in High Street getting a £750,000 facelift as the fulcrum for a new Suffolk Institute of technology.

See page four for full story.