Birmingham Metropolitan College is closing a specialist construction and technology centre in an efficiency drive.

The college has announced it will close its Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) in Brierley Hill at the end of its lease.

It said it would shift some of the courses to Stourbridge College, where it was investing £1.5 million.

However, the cash-strapped college stands to save £5 million over the next 10 years by stepping away from the ATC.

Wendy Stevens, head of Stourbridge College, said: “This decision is driven by our desire to improve provision, and represents a great opportunity for us to save money from the lease – £5 million over the next 10 years - and reinvest this in the skills needs of the area, by developing a new construction provision at our college-owned facilities in the Black Country.

“This investment provides our students with an opportunity to study at great new facilities at our main campus, where they will benefit from a wider range of learning resources and support services, including careers advice and guidance with university and job applications.

“The investment also demonstrates the college’s desire to meet local skills needs and to continuously improve teaching for all students.

Birmingham Metropolitan College 300
Birmingham Metropolitan College

“We are very clear that we want to retain all members of staff and we are currently in consultation about the changes.”

The move comes just months after a cost-cutting drive at the college, which saw about 250 people made redundant.

A consultation is under way with staff about the closure of the ATC which will finish at the end of the academic year but no redundancies are expected.

It is understood some courses will be moved to Birmingham Metropolitan College operations in Birmingham, including plastering, bricklaying and painting and decorating.

Ms Stevens added: “We will continue to offer a full range of construction courses. Our carpentry and joinery, plumbing, electrical installation and gas provision will move to Stourbridge.

“These account for about 90 per cent of our provision at the ATC currently and we will continue to offer these, in new improved facilities at Stourbridge College, with the aim to increase provision over the coming years.”