An electrical fire in 2008 destroyed a college building which hosted courses including plumbing, construction, brickwork and carpentry.

Stafford College principal Steve Willis said: “We are proud to be making such a large investment in the town at a time when the local economy really needs support

“We are creating stunning new facilities for students of the future but because of the fast timescale of the project, many of the students joining us this September will be among the first to benefit from the new resources.”

BAM project manager David Ellis said: “We are delighted to bring our expertise to provide progressive, contemporary and sustainable facilities for the students of Stafford College. This is an exciting project to be involved in.”