Work to start on Mansfield college scheme

Work is to commence on a new GBP11m building at Vision West Notts' (VWN) Derby Road campus in Mansfield, which will mark the latest phase of a wider expansion programme.

An existing sports hall is to be demolished to make way for a complex providing 4,000sq m (43,056sq ft) of teaching and learning space, as well as a 170sq m (1,830sq ft) health spa and a fine dining restaurant.

The new building, approved by councillors in November, will offer a home for students involved in hair, beauty and complementary therapy courses among others. Spa facilities are to include three treatment rooms.

One of the treatment rooms will be a large open-plan room offering couch-based treatments, while two smaller rooms will offer the spa bed 'Jouvence' and Rasul mud bath treatment.

The spa will also incorporate a sauna; a steamroom; an ice feature; a spa pool; a Monsoon feature shower and enclosure; heated loungers; and a foot spa.

VWN will finance the project with the help of a GBP1.9m contribution from the Skills Funding Agency's enhanced renewal fund, which is designed to help colleges modernise facilities.

Asha Khemka, the college's principal and chief executive, said: "Not only will it offer our students unrivalled vocational learning opportunities, the public can look forward to enjoying the facilities that will train the hairstylists, beauticians, holistic therapists and chefs of tomorrow."