THE future of Thurrock's Adult Community College was briefly discussed at tonight's meeting of Thurrock Council's Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, when it was confirmed that the council is looking at developing the site on Richmond Road for housing, with possibly 50 new homes replacing the existing buildings.

At last month's meeting of the full council education portfolio holder Cllr Andrew Jefferies confirmed that the authority is looking at moving the college.

His report to council said: "Our ambitious plans include identifying new premises to deliver our new blended offer and looking to transform how we deliver our adult skills agenda."

The site has long been earmarked as one of those that might be developed for new council houses - though locally some residents have expressed concern that the council may sell off the site for private development.

That remains an issue for future debate and only this week a spokesperson for the college told Thurrock Nub News that the college would continue at another site.

We understand that space is being offered at South Essex College's Grays campus for adult learning, to take on much of the learning currently offered at the Richmond Road site.

At tonight's meeting (Tuesday, 17 November) councillors were told that architects had been appointed for development of part of the Richmond Road site and a 'build cost plan was awaited'.

Members were just told the future of the Adult Community College remains under review. Its footprint offers "scope for expanded development to accommodate approximately 50 dwellings."

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