AN HISTORIC Northwich college is in line for a £22million investment that will radically change the face of its campus.

Sir John Deane's College is in the final stages of negotiating the multi-million pound boost with the Learning and Skills Council, which would be used to create a state-of-the-art eco-friendly college.

Current proposals for the site include demolishing temporary classrooms, including the dance studio and art blocks, and replacing them with purpose-built departmental clusters.

But the original main college building will be kept to ensure the proposed new facilities add to the legacy of period architecture.

Principal Andrew Jones said: "Our current teaching spaces are just not designed for the purpose they are now being used for - they were built for a college of 650 students and we now have more than 1,300 students studying with us.

"The college is fortunate to have a rich architectural heritage and is mindful of combining a state of the art educational centre with the Brunner bequest of the original building that will remain."

Leaders from Sir John Deane's College, one of the country's leading sixth form colleges, will meet with the Learning and Skills Council over the next few weeks to secure the investment.

If it is given the go-ahead, detailed plans will be drawn up and submitted to Vale Royal Borough Council for consideration These proposals are set to include the highest standards of eco-technology, including smart lighting that automatically adjusts itself according to daylight levels and whether the room is being used, high levels of insulation and renewable energy sources such as biomass boilers and ground source heat pumps.

Mr Jones said: "This is a major proposal that is set to benefit many thousands of students who will come to study at Sir John Deane's College in future years.

"Staff and students have recently celebrated the college's 450th anniversary and this new development will help ensure the college remains at the forefront of education and continues to serve future generations by offering the very best facilities available."

A residents' consultation evening is planned for between 5pm and 7pm on November 30 when people are welcome to go along and see the proposals in more detail.