Architects at RMJM have released designs of the massive development, which will provide state-of-the-art lear-ning facilities for students and include a restaurant, theatre, health spa and sports facilities.

• Click the 'green' play icon to watch an animation of the new college design by RMJM.

College bosses say they hope the new base, on land south of Cauldwell Road, near their current site, will encourage more students to take up courses with them — and insist the buildings will be environmentally-friendly and built to a high standard.

Principal Asha Khemka told Chad: "This is the desire of the local community — to have more people engage with higher-level education.

"The existing buildings have restricted us in expanding our curriculum. Currently we can't offer a proper dance curriculum because we haven't got the space to do that.

"This building has to be seductive — it has to seduce people and invite them in and meet their aspirations, whether they are learning or working or just coming for an experience.

"It was a challenge to convince the Learning and Skills Council about the budget, about the size, about what we want to achieve.

"But we have managed to do it and we have got their full support and a 75 per cent contribution."

The rest of the cost will be funded by borrowing funds of around £11-12m, using financial reserves and selling off current sites, including the main Derby Road base and part of the Chesterfield Road South site.

• See this week's Chad for a two-page feature on the new college designs.