A PRINCIPAL has confirmed when his college will begin its move into a third campus.

Work started earlier this year to transform the upper floor of the Westmorland Shopping Centre into a teaching space for Kendal College.

Read more: Work begins to turn shopping centre into college campus

The college had been forced to use portacabins to facilitate continued growth and a new site will help relieve this pressure, with around 400 students expected to use the new site.

Kelvin Nash, principal and CEO of Kendal College, confirmed last night that the move will begin in September this year.

The principal announced the news as he began signing the legal paperwork to complete the process.

South Lakeland District Council approved the plans in November last year.

The planning committee felt the perceived educational and economic - increased footfall in the town centre - benefits of the scheme, as well the shopping centre's accessibility via public transport and its high vacancy rate, warranted the scheme's approval.

Read more: Plans for new college campus at shopping centre would 'reinvigorate' town

Under the scheme, the upper mall will become a third campus for up to 400 students, with a lecture theatre, science labs, IT and media spaces, and conference rooms. A large, open-plan atrium would support the college’s existing relationships with community projects, festivals and events.