One of the largest public investments ever made in Halifax and one that will offer students and trainees the very best facilities right here on their doorstep.

A kneejerk reaction in such pressured financial times as these would be tighten the purse strings. But college principal Chris Jones and his team must be congratulated for not being deflected and keeping their plans on course.

"This is a blueprint for a centre of vocational excellence which will develop individuals' learning and enterprise skills, and provide employers with training to help their businesses succeed," he says.

The planning application will be dealt with by January and then pass to the Learning and Skills Council for final approval. If all goes well, work could begin as soon as April.

The college has provided a first-class learning environment for thousands of students. Everything possible must be done to push these plans through and cement its future for decades to come.