STUDENTS will benefit if a multi-million new teaching block at Braintree College wins planning approval.

The College at Braintree, part of Colchester Institute, has applied to build a STEM innovation centre, whichwill specialise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics teaching.

The Church Lane college also wants an extension to its existing sports hall to create a combined teaching and commercial facility for spa and fitness.

If Braintree Council approves the bid, the buildings will use a large slice of £4 million funding granted in February by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

Vice-principal Gary Horne said: “We are delighted to move forward into the detailed planning phase of this project.

“If our planning application is successful, the STEM Innovation Centre will house a range of new engineering and advanced manufacturing facilities alongside construction trades.

“Other sectors including creative, health and science will also benefit from a range of refurbished facilities within other parts of the campus.”

The centre will be designed to include three engineering workshops, two construction workshops and six other large classrooms, each with high-tech facilities to teach students the skills they need to find work.

In September, the college opened a new plumbing workshop to support the increase in demand from learners and construction employers seeking apprentices.

Adam Ward, director for engineering technologies, said: “We are excited about the new facilities planned for Braintree and are working towards making these available for April 2017.

“Our students, apprentices and the many employers we work with will benefit from the training opportunities within a range of engineering and technology disciplines.

“Students choosing to study STEM subjects can look forward to rewarding careers with excellent prospects.”

The College will find out if its planning application has been successful by next February.