Alex Cann

7:00am - 10:00am

Email the studio

James Blunt

Bonfire Heart

Listen Live Podcasts

New Harrogate and Knaresborough MP speaks up to save College extension plan

Friday, 12 July 2024 07:26

Local MP Tom Gordon is requesting a funding extension for Harrogate College.

Harrogate and Knaresborough's new Lib Dem MP, Tom Gordon, is bidding to save Harrogate College's faltering extension plan.

Harrogate College is planning to replace its main building on Hornbeam Park and construct a new state-of-the-art renewable energy skills hub - at a cost of £22million.

But these plans were placed into doubt following talks of a judicial review into the planning application, as commercial properties on Hornbeam Park expressed concerns over parking.

A review would see the project delayed beyond the agreed funding period.

Mr Gordon said he has written to the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, to request a funding extension, to ensure that the £20 million of funding from central Government is not lost.

Tom Gordon said:

“One of my first actions since my election is to try and secure this funding for Harrogate College and our wider education community.

“We are not asking for extra money, just an extension to the funding deadline. Not getting this extension would put the rebuild of Harrogate College at risk.”

He added:

“The expansion of Harrogate College would give opportunities to so many people in our local communities. We just can’t afford to see this opportunity fall by the wayside.

“Throughout the election campaign, countless parents spoke to me about their concerns and suggestions around local education.

“From SEND provision locally, to protecting children’s mental health in educational settings, there is so much to get to work on and to fight for. I look forward to working with everyone across our fantastic education sector and this is just the start.”

More from Local News

Banyan in Harrogate set to close

Banyan Bar and Kitchen in Harrogate is set to close next month.
Knaresborough boys 'devastated' after beloved cat goes missing

A family in Knaresborough is appealing for help after their pet cat went missing, leaving three young boys "devastated".
Knaresborough tug-of-war tradition to return on Boxing Day

Knaresborough's annual tug-of-war tradition is set to make a return on Boxing Day.
Government considers whether to call in Harrogate Spring Water factory expansion

The Government could intervene in a bottled water company’s controversial plans to extend its Harrogate factory into an area of community woodland.
Sisters behind popular Harrogate fashion brand celebrate award-winning year

Two Harrogate sisters behind a popular local fashion brand are celebrating a landmark year.
Christmas timetable revealed for Harrogate trains

Train operator Northern has released a calendar to provide customers with a handy reference guide for service levels over the festive period.
Police appeal after thieves break into Harrogate flat

Police have issued an appeal to identify two people after a burglary in Harrogate.
Campaign to save Knaresborough Castle reaches Parliament

A campaign to 'save' Knaresborough Castle and protect and restore the site has reached Parliament.
Goldsborough Hall to feature in new boxing film

Goldsborough Hall is set to appear on the big screen as part of highly-anticipated boxing film 'Giant.'
Council offers grants for Harrogate students

Students living in the Harrogate area who are currently taking post-16 education courses for the academic year 2025-2026 are invited to apply for a small grant from a local trust.
Harrogate nursery's 12 Days of Christmas raises £1,000 for local hospice

A Harrogate nursery has raised almost £1,000 for Saint Michael's Hospice as part of its 12 Days of Christmas activities.
The draw of Harrogate: Why buyers are moving more than 60 miles to live here

Homebuyers are moving more than 60 miles to live in Harrogate, according to a new study.
Selfless Harrogate boy writes festive job letter to Santa

An 8-year-old boy from Harrogate has written a letter to Santa offering his help this Christmas.
New pilates class for beginners to launch in Harrogate

A new beginners' pilates course is set to launch in Harrogate this January, offering an introduction to mat-based pilates in a small group.
Spanish airport operator acquires Leeds Bradford Airport in £270m deal

Spanish airport operator Aena has acquired a majority stake in Leeds Bradford Airport in a deal worth £270million.
Time to abolish the House of Lords, says Harrogate MP

Local MP Tom Gordon has called on the government to abolish the House of Lords in its current form and replace it with a fully elected second chamber.
Police appeal after 'disturbance' outside Harrogate bar

Police are appealing for information about a disturbance that happened outside a pub in Harrogate last month.
Opening date revealed for Wetherby's new Wetherspoons

JD Wetherspoon has confirmed the opening date for its new pub in Wetherby.
Ripon youngsters create fabric wrapping paper to combat waste

Enterprising Ripon Grammar students concerned about the amount of wrapping we waste every Christmas have put their principles into action.
Harrogate nurse takes on double marathon challenge for pancreatic cancer

A Harrogate woman is preparing to take on a demanding double marathon challenge to raise money and awareness for pancreatic cancer.