Clean bill of health for Associated’s medical college plans

Associated Architects has won planning permission for a £30m medical sciences college in Bolton, which is a joint venture between the town’s university, the local authority and the NHS.

The practice said Bolton College of Medical Sciences, which will be five storeys at its highest, will offer state-of-the-art training that used the latest medical technology, such as simulation suites and surgical and acute care environments.

Bolton council, which is a partner in the joint venture along with the University of Bolton and Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said the facility was expected to become a blueprint for other NHS foundation trusts.

The authority said the facility, which will be built in the grounds of the Bolton NHS Trust hospital in Farnworth, would host its first students in 2022.

Also included in the approval is a 400-space, multi-storey car park.