K College is extending the consultation period for its plans for its new campus in Brook Street in Tonbridge to give residents more time to contribute.

Residents have expressed fears that the proposal for a new technology centre, and in future, a sports hall, would mean many more years of major building works at the campus.

 

But Principal Bill Fearon, while repeating his thanks for the forebearance and patience shown by the College’s near neighbours following the handover last month of the £86 million pound new campus, has reassured them that the new plans to rehouse craft and technology courses from Tunbridge Wells to Tonbridge where they resided until 6 years ago, will not open until 2014 and will take less than one year to build, representing a fraction of what has been built on the campus over the past 3 years.

He said: ‘The building of the majority of our new campus was an exceptional event that tried the patience of us all – our staff and students worked right alongside the new building, while the old was demolished. But we believed that the site of the campus in Brook Street was the best for the community, being right at the heart of the town. Other colleges have rebuilt on new sites, and that would have been easier in the short term. However, as more people come to see what we have now achieved already, I am sure they will support our proposal for a £5 million technology centre on the site.’

“Construction craft and engineering courses were moved to rented premises at North Farm to enable the space at Tonbridge to be used for the first phases of the new campus building. Mr Fearon said: ‘Obviously it is not a good use of public money to spend our funds on expensive rental rates when we can build our own centre, and one that is alongside the rest of our further and higher education provision.’

 

Bill stressed the College is learning from the experience of the past 3 years, but added that a number of the issues raised by residents are not the responsibility of the College and outside its control.

Parking and road layout, for example, are Council or KCC Highways issues. Mr Fearon points out that: ‘K College has spent more than £1 million on services relating to traffic and pedestrian use of Brook Street, working with the Judd and Hayesbrook schools to seek secure, safe conditions. It has provided off site parking for College staff and building contractors, and worked hard to try to ensure considerate parking where it is permitted in residential areas’




The installation of barriers at the Brook Street campus car parks have been delayed as a direct result of complaints from local people.

Mr Fearon said: ‘There has been a College in Brook Street Tonbridge for over 30 years, and now it represents one of the finest in the UK. I thank those residents who have supported the ‘Campus 21’ project, many of whom have taken the time to thank or congratulate the College for its commitment to the local community over the building period.’



The consultation being carried out will enable K College to submit plans to Tonbridge and Malling Council for a technology centre with construction crafts (Painting and decorating; electrical installation; plumbing; brickwork; and carpentry) and some engineering courses (mostly motor vehicle servicing skills). Mr Fearon concluded: ‘The purpose is to provide relevant contemporary skills to local people for local businesses, and in so doing enhance the career prospects of young learners and adults alike.’