The second stage of a £6m upgrade to Great Yarmouth College is due to get under way soon after bosses appointed a contractor to carry out the work.

Eastern Daily Press: An artist’s impression of what the refurbished tower block will look like in September 2015.An artist’s impression of what the refurbished tower block will look like in September 2015. (Image: Archant)

Norfolk-based firm RG Carter has been awarded the contract to transform the college's Southtown campus, turning the 50-year-old tower block and nearby buildings into a modern, spacious teaching area.

The college said building work will start on site 'shortly' and will be finished by September next year in time to welcome students for the 2015 academic year.

The development is being pushed forward with £5.5m of government funding and more than £600,000 from college coffers.

Students are already enjoying the first phase of the college's major redevelopment, a new £1.2m 'learning street' which opened in September. The open, airy space was completed over the summer and features 14 fully-equipped classrooms, four tutorial rooms - which also cater for self-study and group work - wi-fi and open plan seating.

Principal Stuart Rimmer, who took over the reins of the college in July, said: 'Students love our new learning street and they can look forward to more of the same high standard of learning environments in place for next September.

'Great Yarmouth College's vision is to prepare people for work and to be responsive to the needs of local employers.

'Creating modern, inviting and professional learning environments helps to raise staff and student aspirations, encourage learning and ultimately develop the skills for Great Yarmouth's future.'

Martin Randall, client manager for RG Carter, said the firm was 'delighted' be working on the 'exciting' second phase.

'We have a keen and enthusiastic site team with a can-do attitude and plenty of experience of delivering projects in the education sector on time and within budget,' he added.

And the building team will be given a helping hand by the college's own construction students, who will be offered work experience opportunities on the project.