CONSTRUCTION work has begun on a multi-million training college that will form part of the Wirral Waters development.

The £8m Wirral Metropolitan College campus will specialise in enterprise and construction and transform 500 acres of Birkenhead Dockland.

Work on the campus is due to end in September. It will be the first key landmark on Wirral Waters – a 30-year project by Peel Group to transform the Birkenhead dockland, and one half of the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone.

The multi-billion pound venture aims to transform Wirral's docklands into a world-class waterfront project forming part of a revived and vibrant city region.

Sue Higginson, principal of Wirral Met said: "This project will create life changing opportunities for thousands of people, as we establish a Centre of Excellence for Enterprise and the Built Environment.

"We will provide a pipeline of skills for employers who will be investing in Wirral by locating into the new Enterprise Zone.

"As the first project to start Wirral Waters, we are delighted that our strong, strategic partnership with Peel will unlock the potential for developing the area that holds the promise of thousands of jobs.

"We also work closely with the Local Authority and the Local Enterprise Partnership for Liverpool City Region and we have very much appreciated their support with our project.”

Councillor Phil Davies, leader of Wirral Council, said: "The local authority and Wirral Met have developed a strategic partnership to focus on ensuring that we support the education and skills agenda that is relevant to our local economy.

"Wirral Waters Campus is a significant investment that will ensure our local people get the opportunity to gain the skills that they will need to be considered for the many jobs created, as Wirral Waters develops."