COLCHESTER Institute has been awarded £1.2million to help it repair and refurbish its campuses.

The college, which has campuses in Sheepen Road in the town as well as in Braintree and Harwich, has been given the cash by the Government.

More than 180 colleges across the UK have received a share of £200million to begin work from this month to repair and refurbish buildings.

The cash boost forms part of a major £1.5billion investment which aims to transform colleges over the next five years.

Read more >>> Ofsted report praises Colchester Institute’s fast improvement

This first cashpot is being fast-tracked so colleges can kick-start work this year meaning students and staff will benefit earlier than originally planned.

In total, Colchester Institute has been awarded £1,256,710.

Alison Andreas, principal and chief executive of the college, said: “We are delighted to hear all General Further Education Colleges will receive some much-needed funding to support estate repairs and refurbishment.

“For the first time in five years, we will be able to consider where to prioritise this funding including roof and heating repairs, classroom upgrades and IT network improvements to benefit the learners at Colchester Institute.

“With the recent completion of the new Centre for Health and Social Care Professions, it’s an exciting time to be welcoming our new students for 2020-21.”

Colchester MP Will Quince welcomed the news.

He said: “I’m delighted that Colchester Institute is to benefit from £1,256,710 in capital funding to improve the college’s estate condition. Very welcome news for Colchester.”

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “We want to build a world-class further education system which delivers for the whole nation, and a key part of this is ensuring colleges are fit for the future - with better facilities.”