£550,000 in government funding has been invested to build a new construction and automotive skills centre in Kidderminster.

Kidderminster College is one of 12 Worcestershire sites to benefit from a share of £12 million from the Getting Building Fund, aimed at projects which can be started quickly and completed within 18 months to aid economic recovery after the coronavirus lockdown.

Andy Dobson, principal of Kidderminster College, said: “We are delighted to be receiving this investment, which shows the government’s confidence in the college and will allow us to fit out a much needed new skills centre for construction and automotive training in Kidderminster.

“These will be key sectors for the economic recovery of Wyre Forest, and we know there is a real need in our area for the kind of training we will be able to provide both for employers and for young people.

“We’re also very grateful for the support of Worcestershire LEP, who have helped us secure this funding to make a difference locally.”

Hoobrook Island, which is considered one of the county’s congestion hotspots, will also receive £1.3 million from the fund towards further improvements to ease traffic build-up in the area.

Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: “This funding is great news for the county and great news for its economic recovery.

“The additional £12 million investment into the county will make a big difference, and with a large portion of it allocated to schemes we’re delivering as a county council, it will allow us to push forward in ensuring these schemes help the economy get back on its feet.”