A new college will help our town to thrive

That’s the message from the Mayor of Todmorden, Councillor Steph Booth, who is developing plans for the building to be used as a technical college with a focus on the media and arts.

It’s feared that the building, which currently houses the town hall clerk and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau but is mostly unused, could be pulled down in the future.

But Coun Booth hopes that the building could become a hub for the media industry, drawing on the recent popularity of the area for film and television crews.

“It was built in the 1960s as a technical college and it was the main one for this side of Calderdale,” said Coun Booth.

“What we want to do is to create a technical college for the 21st century and we want to link it to media and the arts.The BBC have moved in to Salford, there’s been a lot of filming around here and we want to offer training and education right across the board, from film and television to website design.

“What we want is real jobs with a future, with proper training that will bring people into the town and provide a future for our kids.

“It’s what’s needed - it’s about saying what are we going to do to keep the college up and to bring money and jobs into the town.

“Jobs are a big issue in Todmorden at the moment - to offer good employment is critical. When we have our technical college we will have even more reason to build a hotel in the town.

“It’s a domino effect. Once we bring money into Todmorden, more people will want to come here.”

Funding options are currently being explored for the college and it’s hoped the plans will soon move forward.

Mark Thompson, Calderdale Council’s acting director of economy and environment, said: “The council continues to review all of the buildings it owns, to make sure they meet current and future requirements. Todmorden Community College is one of these properties, however there are no definite plans for the site at this time.” To share your views, please contact Steph Booth at [email protected]