Plans for a multi-million-pound college extension have been approved.

East Kent Colleges Group (EKC) is set to create 1,000 sq m of new teaching space at Sheppey College.

It is part of Swale Council’s £20 million Sheerness Revival scheme after the authority successfully secured money from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Proposals also include improving the leisure, health and wellbeing facilities at Beachfields and the refurbishment of the historic Masters House site.

Ideas for the college extension were put on display at the start of February so feedback could be collected.

In April, a planning application was submitted for consideration.

The new facilities in Bridge Road will be able to accommodate more students aged 16 to 19.

It will also offer a wider range of courses – including creative, engineering and logistics subjects.

CEO of EKC, Graham Razey, said: “We are extremely pleased to have received planning approval for what promises to be a fantastic new asset for the Isle of Sheppey and the broader Swale borough.

"We worked hard to consult with the local community.

"I’m proud that we are now set to deliver an exciting capital project that will offer a fantastic new curriculum that will meet the needs of Sheppey’s employers and its many residents.

"The new building will enable us to offer the community we serve on the Island new provision in the creative, engineering and logistics areas, as well as giving us space for our new 14 to 16-year-old Junior College.”

The plans were approved at a meeting yesterday (September 12) evening, alongside the creation of new business units at Masters House.

The former Victorian offices in Trinity Road have already been converted following a £1.5m investment.

Now, the council has given the green light to transform existing garages on-site into three workshops, a toilet and a kitchenette.

They will be sustainably built and provide space for artists, ceramists, woodworkers and screen printers to practice their craft.

Social franchise, Launch It, will work with young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30, providing mentoring and training.

Enterprise manager, Denise Knight, said: “We can't wait to hear from everyone who would like to start their dream business and grow with a supportive, like-minded community of young founders and local business owners.

“Our thanks to Swale Borough Council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for making this wonderful development happen.”

It is set to be completed by spring 2025.

The final element of the Sheerness Revival scheme is to improve the facilities at Beachfields.

Plans for the expansion, remodelling and renovation of the Healthy Living Centre have already been submitted, which includes soft play, adventure golf, TAG active, a new café and an outdoor gym.

It is still being reviewed by planners and a decision is expected later this year.

Councillor Monique Bonney, chair of the economy and property committee, said: “After an incredible amount of hard work behind the scenes our Sheerness Revival project is picking up steam, with all three of our projects at their final planning stages.

“Launch It has already been providing an amazing service to young entrepreneurs in the refurbished Masters House - helping them stride towards their dreams and we are excited to be able to add to their offer.

“These new workshops will make it possible for people who want to craft, make or engineer to kickstart their business in the appropriate setting whilst receiving expert advice and support.

“Whilst Masters House is helping with employment, we know how important GP provision is for our community, so we have included modernising and improving the medical centre within our plans.

“We also wanted the already well-used and loved leisure centre in Sheerness to be a place for families and kids to have fun all year round, so having indoor activities like soft play and Tag Active along with the adventure golf will allow us to achieve that.

“Education is also being improved on the Island with EKC’s plans having been unveiled for their extension and new curriculum at Sheppey College.”