A CENTRE to train Barnsley’s young medics could be built in the town centre if plans to convert an eyesore building are approved.
The existing Barnsley College Electric Theatre, situated on Falcon Street, is currently used as a combined theatre and teaching space for performing arts courses.
The site also boasts a 180-seat theatre which is open to to the public for external performances.
A planning statement said: “The building itself, particularly from the outside, is not attractive and has a negative impact on the surrounding area.
“It looks particularly poor in contrast to new contemporary and refurbished college buildings alongside it.”
The former examination hall is in the vicinity of two modern buildings - the college’s Old Mill Lane and Church Street sites.
“There is an opportunity to relocate performing arts courses elsewhere within college buildings and in doing so free up the space for a new dedicated medical centre for the teaching of medical based courses,” added the statement.
“This also serves to make better use of under-utilised buildings elsewhere.”
If plans are approved by the council’s planning board, the medical centre for the town’s up-and-coming medics will include a variety of stations to help training.
The proposals include alterations to make mock wards, dentistry spaces, laboratories, teaching spaces and ancillary accommodation for the training of young adults in various medical fields.
Plans were submitted on February 23 and residents have until March 28 to have their say through public consultation.
