OKEHAMPTON College is negotiating with Devon County Council to refurbish a nearby building and transform it into a brand new sixth form centre.

Leaders of the college have put forward a proposal to renovate the Wardhayes building on Simmons Way, near the college, and to turn it into a learning hub for post-16 students.

The Wardhayes building, previously a residential home, would be completely transformed to provide students with teaching rooms, revision rooms, private study spaces, common room and catering facility.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: ‘We are currently developing proposals to refurbish the Wardhayes building in order to expand Okehampton College’s educational provision, including a sixth form centre.

‘The long term aim will be for the building to be run and managed by Okehampton College, who are represented on the refurbishment project team.’

Daryll Chapman, executive principal of Okehampton College, said: ‘This is a great opportunity for the college to expand and we are keen to work alongside Devon County Council on the project.

‘The Wardhayes building would make the perfect post-16 centre as it’s in a great location — only 40 yards from the main college building.

‘Our present Year 10 students and those younger would benefit from the new post-16 centre as the aim is to have the building ready for the September 2018 intake.

‘We are hopeful that the new sixth form centre will encourage students to stay at the college and carry out their post-16 education with us.

‘The plans for the building have already been drawn-up and we are working very closely with Devon County Council about what we would like to see inside of the building.

‘This is a fantastic opportunity for the college and something to rejoice about. We are working on our proposal and the plan is in motion — this is a very exciting time for the college!’