Devon agrees cash to help secure UTC site in Newton Abbot

A £200,000 cash boost to help the new University Technical College find a home in Newton Abbot was agreed today by Devon County Council’s Cabinet.

The capital grant will support the UTC in winning funds from other partners to secure its preferred site.

The £9.7 million college will offer a new way of learning for up to 600 young people aged 14 to 18.

It will focus on engineering, water and the environment and already has the backing of a number of local businesses including Centrax, South Devon link road contractors Galliford Try and South West Water.

Devon’s Cabinet member for schools, Will Mumford, told councillors today that he was a passionate supporter of the UTC.

He said there was immense value in incorporating significant local businesses in providing opportunities for young people.

“This will help to ensure young people stay engaged in the learning process for as long as possible,” he said.

The £200,000 will come from the New Homes Bonus.

This is a grant paid by central government to local councils for increasing the number of homes and their use.