CIVIC chiefs will back Andover College to the tune of £240,000 in their bid to build a new Technology and Skills Centre.

Test Valley Borough Council bosses have agreed to loan the college the money to help get the development up and running.

The project would support two of the council’s corporate priorities – to develop a competitive local economy and to encourage communities to reach their full potential.

Councillors have agreed the loan in principle, providing that the college secures a suitable package of support from Hampshire County Council and the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, which helps support and sustain economic growth across the region.

The new Technology and Skills Centre would provide young people with learning opportunities in engineering, construction and related vocational courses.

Test Valley’s economy chief, Cllr Peter Giddings, said: “I am pleased that the council has agreed to offer a funding package to help create a brand new Technology and Skills Centre for Andover College.

“The centre would allow the college to offer highly desirable vocational courses which would contribute to meeting local demand for practical skills.”

The proposed loan would be granted to the college over a period of ten to 15 years.