ARTIST impressions of a new multi-million purpose built sixth form centre have been released by Dudley College.

The images illustrate how the state-of-the art learning environment on Ednam Road will look like inside, as building work gets underway on site.

The new build, called Dudley Sixth and Dudley Higher is set to open in September 2012 and will provide facilities for the borough’s A level and Higher Education students.

The site is currently being cleared, before building contractors move in to commence work in the next few weeks.

Bob Chapman, Director of Dudley Sixth, said: “We’ve already started taking applications for places as lots of young people are keen to secure a place.

“We were aware that there was a need for a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, particularly in the north and centre of the borough, and I’m confident that this new development will give young people an alternative when they consider where they do their A levels.”

College developers were forced to go back to the drawing board a number of times, before Dudley Council’s planners gave the go-ahead to the plans, after the council initially wanted to demolish the Grade II Edwardian Kudos House.

However English Heritage granted the House listed building status, which resulted in the college having to incorporate the building into their plans.

The building, which was built in 1864, will be used for ancillary accommodation for the college.

It will not adjoin the new development, but will retain a standalone setting.

Meanwhile work is well underway on the college’s other new campus in Tower Street, which is also set to open next year.

The massive steel structure, of Dudley Evolve, which will house the college’s vocational training courses, is already up and in place and was recently toured by Dudley North MP Ian Austin, Principal Lowell Williams and John Freeman, chair of the College Corporation.

Speaking about the visit, Mr Austin MP said: “We must make education and skills the borough’s number one priority, so the expansion of Dudley College couldn’t have come at a better time to support those looking to progress their careers through training.”