PLANS are being developed for a new virtual college in Bridport as part of a multi-million pound investment plan.

Bridport Town Council is working with a researcher from University of the Arts London (UAL) to develop the proposals with the public invited to join the consultation.

The Bridport Investment Plan is a document developed by the council in partnership with local businesses.

Among the recommendations is a proposal for a new sustainability-themed training college.

In order to support the vision, Bridport Town Council has secured a grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council to work with a design researcher in order to develop the initial idea. Work will be carried out over the next six months in order to inform the design of the proposed college and allow for engagement with a broad range of stakeholders.

A spokesperson for Bridport Town Council said: “We believe there is a real need for this: at present, further education and training is hard to access for people living in Bridport. 

“Those doing apprenticeships with Bridport businesses have to travel elsewhere to attend college and more could be done to provide local businesses with the talent, and new skills around sustainability that they need.”

As part of this process, the council would like to hear from:

  • School leavers interested technical/ vocational pathways
  • Anyone of any age interested in lifelong learning in technical/ vocational subjects
  • Anyone currently doing an apprenticeship in Bridport
  • Anyone working in any of the following sectors:
  • ManufacturingAgriculture and foodTravel, tourism and hospitality
  • Construction (and in particular retro-fitting)
  • Educators

The Bridport Investment Plan is a project that would see a total of £9million invested in the town: the ‘ambitious plan’ has identified three ‘key investment opportunities’. Bridport Town Council defines these opportunities as ‘people, place, and environment’.

The aim of the plan is to; equip people with the skills and confidence to be active agents in transition to a net zero future;  achieve a vibrant, connected place to live, work, relax and visit, and; to promote nature recovery and regenerative farming in the surrounding environment.

Anyone looking to contribute as part of the research is asked to contact Jocelyn Bailey on j.a.bailey@arts.ac.uk