SELBY College has announced a £26 million plan to revolutionise its facilities, putting it firmly in the further education premier league.

The massive new investment programme at the Abbott's Road site has been made possible after the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) agreed a mult-million pound grant for two new buildings, expected to open in summer 2010.

Principal Allan Stewart said he received approval of the £26 million LSC grant last month and was now in discussions with architects to finalise plans.

He said one would house a massive teaching block, with state-of-the-art subject-specific teaching rooms, equipped with the latest whiteboards, visual aid and computer technologies.

A new reception area, refectory, teaching kitchen, restaurant, and hair and beauty salon will also be contained in the building.

He said the two-storey project would provide science laboratories to teach applied science, biology, chemistry and physics and would incorporate a new gymnasium, sports hall and further social facilities for students.

"The new building's open-area floor space has been purposely designed to support a range of college activities throughout the year, including fashion shows, drama productions, exhibitions and displays and both informal and formal meeting areas," he said.

The second building will comprise a two-storey purpose-built facility for the college's expanding construction, engineering and media courses.

"These two buildings will ensure Selby College provides the very latest learning facilities for our students, enabling the organisation to achieve our vision - to be the college of first choice for individuals and organisations within the area we serve," Mr Stewart said.

He said the remaining old buildings would be demolished once work was complete, and a fully-landscaped area, including car parking and bicycle storage facilities would be developed.

He said: "Since opening in 1984, the college has become a model of success, continually achieving some of the highest exam pass rates of any further education college in England.

"With these superb new facilities we know our aspiration to become the best-performing college in England is a step closer, by providing the people of Selby and outlying areas with an accessible, inspirational and innovative centre of learning - and a major contribution to the renaissance of Selby."

Mr Stewart said renewable energy sources, including the use of solar collectors, low-energy lighting and natural ventilation would feature in the new buildings.