Falmouth Marine School is hoping to secure a £3.4 million investment to refurbish the college site located on Killigrew Street in Falmouth town.
A pre-planning application has been submitted and formal plans are currently being developed. The proposals include the demolition of the Trelawney Road wing and the creation of a more accessible entrance with parking.
Internally there will be reconfiguration of the marine biology laboratories, classrooms and marine engineering workshop to make better use of the space. A lift will be added for disabled access and energy-efficient windows and doors are proposed. In addition, the proposal outlines improved social areas for the students with a European-style cafeteria and integrated library.
The project is reliant on funding of £1.7 million from the Skills Funding Agency and £1 million from EU Convergence funding. The remaining £700k has been committed by Cornwall College, of which Falmouth Marine School is part.
David Stedman, Head of Falmouth Marine School, said: “The aim is to create an accessible, efficient and effective campus that will improve economic growth to the area and provide facilities to support marine businesses in Cornwall.
“The benefits for the students and businesses will be marvellous; however we can’t proceed with redevelopment without the funding.”
Falmouth Marine School will learn of the funding outcome from the Skills Funding Agency on July 19. If successful, they will then submit an application for Convergence funding and should know the outcome of that by the autumn.
Raoul Humphreys, acting principal of Cornwall College, said: “This development will ensure that Falmouth Marine School remains at the forefront of providing marine education.”
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