BASINGSTOKE College of Technology (BCoT) has announced the relocation of its construction course from a skills centre in Bordon due to declining student enrolment and rising operational costs.

The college said it is relocating the course from the Future Skills Centre (FSC) in Bordon to the Basingstoke campus, effective after the current academic year (2023-24).

Calling its continued presence in Bordon 'financially unsustainable', BCoT has exercised a break clause in its lease with Hampshire County Council.

BCoT said it acknowledges the impact this may have and assures ongoing support throughout the transition.

READ MORE: BCoT students 'thrilled' after restaurant is rated number 1 on Tripadvisor

Current students enrolled at the FSC will be offered continued studies at BCoT's main campus in Basingstoke from September 2024.

The college said its Basingstoke campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Green Energy Technology Centre, providing advanced training in renewable technologies.

BCoT confirmed that there are no course closures 'for now' and the construction course will continue.

All currently enrolled students will finish their courses.

The relocation only impacts new course offerings at the FSC and applicants for September 2024 have been contacted about the change.

BCoT also said there will be no compulsory redundancies and affected staff will be offered positions at the Basingstoke campus.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 best bluebell woods in Hampshire for a country walk

"The decision to relocate our construction courses from the Future Skills Centre was incredibly difficult," said Anthony Bravo, Principal and chief executive of BCoT.

"We understand the FSC has been a familiar and valuable learning environment for many. However, its financial unsustainability necessitates a strategic move to ensure we can continue providing our students with the highest quality education and resources available at the Basingstoke campus.”

The Future Skills Centre is owned and managed by Hampshire County Council, which will decide the future of the building.