An agreement between Hounslow Council and West Thames College has been made to move Feltham Skills Centre to a new flagship development.

Still in its early stages, the agreement, subject to planning permission, will see the existing Skills Centre move from Boundaries Road to Feltham High Street, into a building currently used by Feltham Community Association.

More than 700 students who attend the college each year will find their vocational courses benefitting from state-of-the-art technology and access to a new learning resource library, funded by the Skills Council.

West Thames College principal Thalia Marriott was delighted with the news and believes that the new central location will serve the training and educational needs of Feltham community and meet skills shortages.

She said: "It has been proposed that the Feltham Skills Centre will be open for community use in the evenings in partnership with Hounslow Adult Education Services.

"It will also be a valuable asset to the high street, with a professional hairdressing salon and gourmet café - run by student trainees and industry professionals."

The skills centre's success was demonstrated at the Skills Game 2008 awards ceremony held at Wembley Stadium last month, where students from the college won gold medals in hairdressing, bricklaying and catering.

Hounslow Council's deputy for education and children, Paul Lynch, said: "I think it will be a move for everybody's benefit.

"Certainly West Thames College want to be able to reach out into the community, especially people not in the job market.

"By being on the high street the college will be like a shop window attracting people who may not normally write in for a brochure to walk in and find out about courses."

A full consultation meeting will be held for the public.