STUDENTS will have new, state-of-the-art facilities and disabled improved access following a multi-million pound redevelopment at Cardinal Newman College in Avenham, Preston.

The college started a £1.525 million extension to its Larkhill campus in July, architect's drawing above, and college officials are hoping that some of the work will be complete by the time students go back in September.

Funded by a grant from the government-backed Further Education Council, the recent developments are a welcome addition to the changes that took place last summer.

And the extra money has meant that facilities in the Georgian-style building will also be substantially upgraded, including easier access for disabled students.

Jim Minall, facilities manager, said: "It has been a hectic few months drawing up the plans.

"What is often regarded as a quiet time for colleges is seeing a huge amount of work being done to ensure that we are ready for the start of the new academic year.

"We have been very conscious of the need to ensure that the character of the college, which is based around a Georgian mansion, would not be altered but that our students would have the best facilities currently available."

And college principal, Kevin Quigley, was equally enthusiastic about the project and said that they already had developments planned for next summer.

The development is being managed by the JYM Partnership, a local firm of architects and surveyors.

Peter Hitchin, architect of the project, said: "The project is a demanding challenge and the design incorporates a phased operation of work which will ultimately provide improved and additional classroom areas."