Blackpool College plans in chaos!!!

[Pete]

The plan to build a new college on the old Mecca site on Rigby Road are in chaos as the government organisation funding the development (Learning and Skills Council) say they have run out of money!!!!!! They had previously agreed to the £188 million to fund the project. But it seems that there was some small print!!!! Other councils had been granted funding and started work, even taken out bridging loans to start construction have also had funding pulled. The Learning and Skills Council say that they didn't give the councils permission to start the projects but lets face it we all want the building and regeneration projects to start as soon as possible. So when a government organisation says you have the funding then the public would start asking questions if the council delayed the start.

Like the Talbot Gateway the comments in the gazette are all questioning why it will take 18 months to start why not start now?

So I think the council are correct in starting the new campus and the Learning and Skills Council should come up with teh money they agreed to.

[cherokee]

Im really confused with all that regeneration work they are planning to do in that area? does it actually mean they will be knocking the mecca bingo down and the appollo. . I know apollo 2000 has now gone bust. its all a bit of a mess i think.

[willowthewhisp]

The Learning and Skills Council didn't lose money in the Icelandic banking crash did they?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by cherokee

Im really confused with all that regeneration work they are planning to do in that area? does it actually mean they will be knocking the mecca bingo down and the appollo. . I know apollo 2000 has now gone bust. its all a bit of a mess i think.

The plans do seem somewhat fluid. The last plans I saw did suggest that Apolllo2000 was to be demolished, by the way I think Appollo2000 will reopen soon as some of the stores including Blackpool was purchased. Mecca is due to stay but who knows. The indoor bowling is also to be demolished. Luckily Brian has convinced the council not to demolish Funny Girls or his other venues.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by willowthewhisp

The Learning and Skills Council didn't lose money in the Icelandic banking crash did they?

It would appear that the government organisations who did invest in the Icelandic banks will get back 80-90% of their money, if the property market improves then they may get 100% back!!!!