Inverclyde MSP 'frustrated' over new Greenock college campus

The Tele reported a year ago how funding for the long-awaited waterfront facility project had been kicked down the road until at least 2026.

Since then, the council's bid for £20m of levelling up funding from the UK Government has included making space for a new campus in the town centre.

It's now understood that West College Scotland is looking to invest in the existing Finnart Street campus, to keep it wind and watertight.

MSP Mr McMillan has faced criticism from college campaigners and councillors about the future of the college, but insists he is fully committed to further education in Inverclyde and stresses that he has questioned bosses about investment and fears over cutbacks.

He said: "I have come under attack repeatedly from some quarters about the college.

"I have spoken to management about the plans for the new college and it has been a frustrating process.

"I have also raised the concerns put to me over the years.

"They have reassured me that they are completely committed to the college in Greenock."

A bid for a new college was first announced back in 2018 but although designs were unveiled the project has stalled.

In recent years there have been complaints about a reduction in courses locally and a resultant fall in the number of students.

The college nursery has been closed and there have have been cuts at the canteen.

Public spending watchdog Audit Scotland has suggested the investment needed to make the Finnart Street building would be around £15m.

Last year West College Scotland finally submitted a revised plan for a new building but it will be at least three years before money becomes available.

Mr McMillan said: "Realistically there is not really anything that can be done until a business case has been submitted.

"That has now been out to the Scottish Funding Council and we will need to take it from there.

"There are now the two options, of the East India Harbour and the plans in the levelling up bid.

"We are still waiting for the decision [on the latter] but I believe it is imminent."

The MSP says he has reassured that money will now be found to keep the Finnart Street campus up to scratch.

Nathan Tyler, director of communications, engagement and student experience at WCS said: “West College is working with the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Futures Trust and other stakeholders to identify a long-term solution that will enable us to maintain the highest quality further and higher education, skills and training provision for Inverclyde, while being financially feasible and environmentally sustainable.

“In the interim WCS will continue to invest the appropriate sums of money needed to maintain and improve our existing Finnart Street and waterfront campuses to ensure they remain fit for purpose as high quality learning environments.”

“We take a dynamic, agile approach to meeting the changing needs of the communities West College serves and our course offering regularly evolves to ensure we remain relevant to students and employers, both local and national.

"This fluid approach means that some course offerings may be reduced or mothballed, while others are introduced and expanded in line with demand or emerging trends.”

Councillor Colin Jackson, of the Save Our College group, remains critical of the institution's management and MSP Mr McMillan.

He said: "The college management team consistently deny there is any downgrading but it’s now time for them to be honest with staff and students.

"It is also time that our MP, MSPs and many of our councillors, especially from the SNP, whose party are imposing the cuts, to stop the silence and speak out on such a major issue - and if they don’t maybe it’s time the public started asking them why not."