The proposals to relocate  the current campus in Nethermayne is part of the college’s strategy to move all of its three campuses at Thurrock, Southend and Basildon to town centre sites.

The college move is also part of wider regeneration plans for Basildon, which will see the market relocate to St. Martin’s Square and a direct link built from the college to the train station.

If the application in early 2013, the aim would be to open the new college by September 2015.

The new 75,000 sq ft building could cater for up to 2000 students, over double the current number in Basildon. A multi-purpose sports hall is also planned and is designed for use by business or the public.