BARRHEAD’s “visionary” new college would still be built, despite a £2.5million funding shortfall, residents were assured in 2008

Backers of the proposed East Renfrewshire College in the town blamed inflation after the total cost of the project rose to a staggering £14.5m.

But council bosses assured locals that the college would go ahead despite inflation pushing up building costs.

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said: “The cost of the college has risen due to inflation.

“The architects designing the college are in talks with education chiefs and we have submitted a cabinet report in order to find the extra money.

“We are also considering applying for European funding as with most building projects costs do increase.

“But we can assure people in Barrhead the college will still be built. In fact there are already plans in place for what will be taught.”

The college, viewed as a vital part of the town’s £113m regeneration, was to offer vocational courses to more than 3,500 school leavers and mature students.

It was also intended to act as a business start-up centre and deliver adult literacy and numeracy learning programmes.

Reid Kerr, Cardonald and Langside colleges agreed to back the project and this week, 10 years ago, were said to be finalising the curriculum.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, convener for economic development and regeneration, said: “Inflation has had an effect on the revised costs associated with the project. We are revisiting the design proposals and costs in an effort to bring down the final funding gap of £2.5m.

“Efforts are also now being made to explore other areas of external financial assistance.

“This is an innovative and exciting project which is at the heart of the council’s ambitious Barrhead regeneration plans.”

The Scottish Funding Council pledged £3m to the final cost, which rose from £13.4m to £14.5m.

Original architect designs featured the college with a public library, a learning service base, a creche and a family centre, on a site beside the council’s headquarters in Main Street.

East Renfrewshire Council allocated around £10m for the plan.