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College benefits from accelerated investment
14/01/2009
A £2.6 million refurbishment of the James Watt College campus in Greenock is set to be completed next month as a result of the Scottish Government's accelerated capital investment in Scotland's Further and Higher Education sectors, Education Secreatary Fiona Hyslop said today.
The scheme, which includes refurbishment of the entrance area and refectory at the College's Finnart Campus in Greenock, is one of a range of college and university projects to benefit from a decision by Ministers to accelerate planned spending in the sector to stimulate the local and national economy and safeguard construction and engineering jobs during the current economic downturn.
In total, £7.5 million of capital spending which had previously been earmarked for distribution via the Scottish Funding Council in 2010-11, has been brought forward for immediate investment in 2008-9. A further £13 million in capital funding, again previously earmarked for distribution in 2010-11, will now be used to carry out building improvements in 2009-10.
This reshaping of capital spending plans is a key part of the Scottish Government's economic recovery programme, designed to maintain investment and development in the economy while targeting support at households and businesses during the current downturn.
Other projects which will benefit from the accelerated investment in 2008-09 include:
- External cladding and heating system work at the University of Abertay Dundee, Kydd Building
- Continuation of the major refurbishment to the library at Edinburgh University
- Acceleration of the lecture theatre and general laboratory improvements at the University of Glasgow
- Creation of specialised practical facilities for vocational courses at Carnegie College
The Cabinet Secretary today visited the Greenock Campus to see the improvements and meet those involved in the project.
Ms Hyslop said:
"The Scottish Government recognises the challenges faced by individuals, institutions and employers during these tough economic times and is determined to do what we can to ease some of the pressures placed upon them.
"The decision to bring forward investment, previously earmarked for future years, is a key part of our economic recovery plan and is designed to support the local and national economy in Scotland, while also preserving and creating jobs in key sectors such as construction and engineering.
"By accelerating investment in the college and university sector we are also helping to create improved campuses across Scotland where people can gain the skills and qualifications they need to get into work, stay in work and play their part in Scotland's economic future and recovery.
"I'm delighted to see at first hand, the work which has been taking place at James Watt College under that accelerated programme, which will create improved facilities for students and staff alike."
Sue Pinder OBE, Principal of James Watt College, said:
"Through the Scottish Funding Council, the Scottish Government has injected #2.6m of investment into James Watt College. This has enabled us to make huge improvements to our facilities here at the Finnart Campus. Our staff and students will shortly be able to enjoy a new ICT centre and library, a refurbished refectory and a new coffee bar, shop and hairdressing and beauty salon. The refurbishments will make the College much more enticing for potential students, and the salon will also be open to the public, providing our hair and beauty students with fantastic learning facilities, and encouraging members of the local community into the College.
"In these challenging economic times, it is incredibly important that there is continued investment in our education infrastructure. Colleges provide people with an opportunity to retrain and learn new skills, and they should be modern, friendly and welcoming places. Now more than ever, we cannot allow our Colleges to fall into a poor state of repair or become victims of the economic climate. I am delighted to see the Scottish Government is determined not to let this happen."
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, confirmed in the Scottish Government Budget Bill, published on January 9, 2009, the Government's intention to accelerate capital investment in a range of public sector projects in Scotland.
Funding for capital investment in the Higher Education and Further Education sectors in Scotland is distributed by the Scottish Government through the Scottish Funding Council.