Future of Bexley adult education centre secured

The future of adult education in the London borough of Bexley has been secured, with councillors meeting earlier this week (April 16th) in order to hash out a deal that will see Bird College provide excellent services to the area.

A current site in Alma Road, Sidcup, will be adapted in order to take students and classes that currently take place in a number of different locations throughout the borough, with a view to centralising the teaching.

The possibility of creating three new strategic sites for adult education in the area was also discussed at the meeting, with a new base set to open on Erith high street. It is expected that the creation of new educational institutes for adults could potentially see the number of visitors to the borough increase dramatically.

"By having these two new facilities bang in the centre of our towns we hope to increase footfall for our shops and businesses as well as providing a more convenient base for adult learners to get to," said councillor Linda Bailey, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration.

Furthermore, plans have also been arranged that will see the current Brampton Road adult education site extended in order to accommodate additional facilities for learners with disabilities.

Cabinet member for adult services, councillor Chris Taylor, said that the development represents a big step for the Local College First programme, which aims to make things easier for those who would struggle to travel away from their own borough on a regular basis.

"This is an illustration of our commitment to support people with more complex needs, enabling them to better access more universal provision alongside other residents in new and fit for purpose premises," he added.

Bird College has been pressing for a single campus within Bexley for some time now, with the institute dealing with growing demands of sustaining a number of campuses.

It had even considered moving outside of Bexley, but the council moved quickly in order to support its 60-year relationship with Bird College.

Published 18th April, 2013

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