Work on creating a multi-million state-of-the-art new medical college in the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital will now get underway after updated plans were given the green light.
The college is a collaboration between the University of Bolton, Bolton College, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton Council, which they claim could create up to 20,000 jobs and boost the economy by £150m.
The plans include new revised proposals to replace what had originally been a multi-story car park with surface level parking.
University of Bolton vice chancellor George E Holmes said: “This is game-changing news for Bolton and we are delighted that this ambitious and exciting plan has been approved.
He added: “Once open next year, it will give people a direct route into health and social care employment, and provide unrivalled training opportunities for existing hospital staff to upskill and further their careers.
“It is an historic moment for our town and the University making the first in a series of steps towards a full medical school.”
The plan was approved at a meeting of Bolton Council’s planning committee this week.
The college will be built on the grounds of Royal Bolton Hospital
Speaking in favour of the proposal, Conservative Cllr Andy Morgan said that it was a “no brainer” to approve the proposal while Labour leader Cllr Nick Peel said it could be transformative for jobs and the health service in Bolton.
The committee voted unanimously to approve the plan.
BCMS project director Mark O’Reilly said: “Today’s result is a major win for the Bolton community as it unlocks the construction of a facility that will bring countless healthcare and occupational benefits to the area, including better job prospects, opportunities for existing healthcare staff to upskill, and an overall £150million boost to the local economy.
He added: “Its impact will also be felt beyond our town, we expect BCMS to become a blueprint for other NHS trusts nationwide and transform how NHS workforces are recruited and trained across the country.
“Bolton will lead by example on how the UK can address the NHS staffing crisis and attract more people to healthcare professions.”
The college is now set to open next year.
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