Deal signed to build £35m college

The new college is due to open in September 2010

A deal to build a new £35m college in a Warwickshire town has been signed.

Warwickshire College said building work would start in February for its new college off Leicester Road, Rugby, to replace its existing one in the town.

The site will include sports facilities open to the public and a hall for drama, music, performances or conferences.

The college, which is due to open the site in September 2010, signed an agreement with developers St Modwen.

Warwickshire College, which has six sites including Rugby's existing site on Lower Hillmorton Road, said the agreement was "the final hurdle" before work could begin.

Funding comes from organisations including the Learning and Skills Council, Rugby Borough Council and Advantage West Midlands, which will help pay for an academy to train power station technicians.

The college will include a library, a hair and beauty salon and construction training facilities.

There will also be a bistro area and training facilities for students with disabilities and learning difficulties.