This first phase of designs from Aedas will see the development of a five-storey Learning Hub, situated on the corner of Middleton Road and Rochdale Road.

The building will house 28 new classrooms, a community space, new student support facilities, and a new front entrance to the College.

It is part of a £10m masterplan which seeks to make better use of the site, and to improve facilities for teaching and learning.

Tony Langan, Director of Aedas said: “We are delighted that the design has won the seal of approval from its local Councillors and look forward to working with Oldham College and Laing O’Rourke to deliver the transformational vision of Oldham College.”

Principal, Alun Francis said: “This investment, which is largely funded from our own resources, is part of a genuine commitment to raising standards and improving opportunities.

“The construction will be completed by early 2014, and learners across a number of courses and departments will benefit.

“We have also aimed to improve the built environment in the town centre, and to ensure that, given the economic situation, there are local labour benefits, including apprenticeships, work experience and a very useful onsite construction project that will give invaluable experience to many of our building services students and staff”.