It will include a central three-storey glass-roofed atrium as a gateway to classrooms, workshops and a learning resource centre.

A theatre, dance studios and commercial salon will give hair and beauty students work experience, as well as a sports hall, all-weather pitch and two grass pitches to support the college's sports academies.

It is expected 80 per cent of student activity will take place on the Francis Street campus, according to plans put to Calderdale Council today. College principal Chris Jones said: "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.

"It represents one of the largest public investments ever made in Halifax – a major boost to the community and a unique opportunity to transform the college and the lives of the people who use it."

The council should decide on the application by January and if approved will pass it to the regional and national Learning & Skills Councils for final approval.

The college hopes to begin construction at the end of April. The new building will be on the site of the former Princess Mary School and the seven-storey Percival Whitley Centre will be replaced by a smaller building, rising two to three storeys.

The creative and conservation skills centre, opened in 2004 with funding from Action Halifax, will remain with the buildings on each side of Francis Street linked by an elevated covered walkway.

There will also be social areas for students and a refectory.

Council education spo-kesman Craig Whittaker said: "As one of the biggest public sector investments ever made in Calderdale, this will provide state-of-the-art facilities for learners.

"It will also provide opportunities to work more closely with local businesses and make Calderdale an even more attractive place to live, work and study."

Roger Harvey, chairman of Harveys of Halifax and chairman of Action Halifax, said: "The economic downturn makes investment in training and enterprise skills even more vital to give businesses a competitive edge."

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