Hopwood Hall funding 'not looking good'

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 23 July 2009

The likelihood of Hopwood Hall College getting essential funding is “not looking good” according to Labour leader, Councillor Colin Lambert.

Paul Rowen MP and Jim Dobbin MP have both been pressing to meet with the Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Kevin Brennan MP, to push for 2.3M needed to ensure the futures of both the Rochdale and Middleton campuses.

It is feared that without the cash boost, the college expansion at Rochdale will not be completed.

The meeting was called after Heywood and Middleton MP Jim Dobbin raised the issue in Prime Minister’s Questions.

Paul Rowen, MP for Rochdale said: “Without funding Hopwood Hall will never be able to complete its expansion to provide invaluable education for young people in Rochdale’

“The regeneration of Hopwood Hall college would provide a unique opportunity for training many young people in Rochdale who may struggle to find employment without further training during the recession.”

Labour leader, Councillor Colin Lambert told Rochdale Online News: “It is not looking good.

“We were advised to make further contact with the learning skills council to explore further options to meet the funding target, which would allow the capital programme to be started at the earliest possible date.

“It is vital we continue to work together closely to deliver the best opportunities for young people, with a balanced A level and vocational programme across the borough.

“We will be meeting with all concerned to further this debate at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Rochdale Online News is awaiting a statement from Hopwood Hall College.