Learning Campus plans set for green light

Plans for a new education and employment building on land at Midland Metro University Hospital (MMUH) are set to move forward.Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking permission to construct a learning campus in the most southern portion of the site.The Learning Campus will provide a major new education and skills resource, covering training from entry-level to L7 skills, linked to the new hospital, and focused on widening participation in education, as well as targeting hard-to-reach groups.The project is funded through the Government’s Towns fund following the success of the Smethwick Town deal. It is a collaboration between Sandwell & West Birmingham Trust, Sandwell Council, Sandwell College, Aston University and the University of Wolverhampton.A report to be considered by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has recommended the scheme is approved.The development is considered to be of appropriate scale and design in relation to the new MMUH and surrounding area and provides travel renewable energy options to ensure that the completed development achieves a sustainable development. It also provides opportunities for training for existing professionals and upskilling of hard to reach groups.