THE second phase of turning sections of Westmorland Shopping Centre into a sixth form campus for Kendal College will begin soon. 

Kendal College will fully occupy the first and second floors of the building after work starts on June 17. Contractor Redbridge will take ownership of the site and begin work, with shoppers to use the newly built alternative routes through the centre to the market and ground floor. 

Principal Kelvin Nash said: "This is a bold and exciting move for Kendal College and an exciting opportunity for the town."

The first phase created a reception area, a social space and several classrooms. The new work will bring a mock hospital ward, lecture theatre, a TV studio and production facilities to the campus over the coming months. 

The college expects 400 to 500 students to regularly attend the new Westmorland Campus, and it anticipates that local businesses will benefit from the increased footfall. 

Mr Nash added: "Having a presence at the very heart of the community enables us to work with our partners to give students a world-class experience while showcasing what we have to offer the town."