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Professor George Holmes DL, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Sue Johnson, Chief Executive of Bolton Council, and Fiona Noden, Chief Executive of the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bill Webster, Principal of Bolton College (Image: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust)

A milestone was reached in the development of a £20 million medical complex in Blton.

A steel signing ceremony was held to celebrate the next stage in the construction of the Bolton College of Medical Sciences.

Leaving a lasting mark on the facility they have helped bring to fruition; signatures included Professor George Holmes DL, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Sue Johnson, Chief Executive of Bolton Council, and Fiona Noden, Chief Executive of the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bill Webster, Principal of Bolton College.

Along with the University, Bolton College, the Trust and Council are the implementing partners in the development of the £40 million clinical skills training centre.

Following the completion of the steel structure last month, construction has now moved into the next phase with the start of roof work and flooring installation on the three-story building, with internal repair due to start in May. .

The three delivery partners were also given a tour of the site, allowing them to physically see where the facilities, such as the 4D simulation suite and 120-seat conference room, will be.

Located on the hospital site, BCMS will open its doors in September 2024.

Professor George Holmes DL, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Sue Johnson, Chief Executive of Bolton Council, and Fiona Noden, Chief Executive of the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bill Webster, Principal of Bolton College (Image: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust)

It marks the largest single investment in healthcare and education in Bolton for decades.

The facility aims to support up to 3,000 students each year and provide future students with a direct route into clinical healthcare employment.

The courses will open for applications later this year and will include T-Levels and apprenticeships, degrees and postgraduate training, as well as CPD opportunities for existing staff.

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The curriculum has been designed in consultation with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust staff and leadership team.

Speaking at the signing, Professor Holmes said: “To see BCMS come to life is extraordinary. What we have here in Bolton is a project that will set the standard for healthcare training nationwide.

“BCMS marks a very important next step for the University, and I am confident that it will be instrumental to the future of healthcare delivery in the region.

Sue Johnson, Bolton Council Chief Executive, added: “I am delighted to be here today alongside George and Fiona.

“This level of collaboration is vital for the regeneration of the area and for improving the socio-economic prospects of the region.

“BCMS is also creating a fantastic ripple effect, with local businesses and the local economy in general benefiting from the construction of the facility.

Next stage in Bolton College of Medical Sciences construction underway (Image: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust)

Fiona Noden, Chief Executive of the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Providing the next generation of NHS employees with the skills and resources they need to deliver quality patient care is central to our services.

“BCMS is a project specifically designed to meet these goals and help us prepare our local workforce for the future, and I am very excited for what is to come.

Mr Webster, Principal of Bolton College, said: “BCMS marks one of the largest investments in employment and skills at Bolton in living memory.

“He is a fantastic asset for Bolton.

“It will give our students a clear path from their school and college education, through college and into any number of careers in the health sector.”

The construction work at the Bolton School of Medical Sciences is being led by Willmott Dixon and will generate around £150m of additional revenue for the local economy over its lifetime.

It was made possible after the government provided £20m in Leveling Up funding and after Bolton Council granted planning permission for the development in June.

The developers have committed that while the building is underway, additional parking will be provided for hospital staff, replacing spaces that will be displaced by work on the site.

Once built, the college aims to create an additional 250 parking spaces.