The new University Centre in Grantham has taken a major step forward with work starting on an internal fit out. 

The centre, above the Savoy Cinema, will offer the opportunity for more people and businesses in South Kesteven to access higher education when it opens late in the spring.

Set across 9,000sqft, the building will include teaching areas, breakout space and seminar rooms and will be fitted out by Lindum Construction to be an accessible learning environment. 

Tailored to meet local business needs, the curriculum will include a range of short courses and diplomas delivered by the University of Lincoln.

Cllr Kelham Cooke, Leader of South Kesteven District Council and Chairman of InvestSK, said: "Growing businesses need quick access to the right skills at the right time. South Kesteven District Council is pleased to be nurturing the development of the district's talent pool through establishing University Centre SK."

Steve Bowyer, CEO at InvestSK, said: "Businesses keep telling us that access to skills is a top priority – both for local firms looking to grow and for companies considering moving to the district. 

"We've been working in partnership with the University of Lincoln to develop a curriculum that meets the requirements of local companies and I'm delighted that the first management course is now underway. 

"It's important that we understand what skills are needed in the district, so I'd urge businesses who might be interested in enrolling their staff onto University Centre SK courses to get in touch so we can take their needs into account when developing future programmes". 

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership has provided £2 million of funding towards the construction and fit out costs of University Centre SK via the Government's Growth Fund. 

Ruth Carver, Chief Executive of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "This project will be truly transformational for South Kesteven and its surrounding area, and we are very pleased that once completed the university centre will provide local businesses with the bespoke skills they require to enable growth and innovation."

Minister for Local Growth, Rt Hon Jake Berry MP, said: "We are committed to boosting economic growth across the Midlands Engine and levelling up every place in the country. 

"Thanks to £2 million of Government support from the Local Growth Fund, aspiring entrepreneurs in Grantham will have access to top of the range, locally-tailored training so that they can take their business to the next stage and unleash the full economic potential of the region."