A COLLEGE has been given the green light to expand.
South Essex College has been granted permission to convert part of the Progress Road Industrial Estate into a base offering courses in construction, motor vehicles and engineering.
The centre could cater for up to 180 students and would include vocational courses to train mechanics, builders and engineers and include a motor vehicle mechanics course which would be offered in Southend for the first time.
A spokesman said that the plans are still in the very early stages, but it has the potential to be an exciting time for the college in Southend.
The site could also accommodate more than 100 parking spaces
The college already has campuses in Basildon, Southend and Thurrock.
Last month, the Basildon campus opened a new construction centre in partnership with Redrow Homes and Draper Tools - offering students access to the Dry Street housing development.
The industrial estate plans were approved unanimously by council members. Development must start within three years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here