THE reception building at Bridgwater College’s Cannington site is set to undergo major refurbishment after storm damage made it unsafe to use.

The flat roof on the 1960s building was blown off in February this year which caused considerable damage with water bringing down ceilings and smashing windows.

Following the damage, the first floor and ground floor could not be used. However, staff have since been able to move back into ground floors area after internal decoration was carried out.

Bridgwater College is now seeking planning permission for an overhaul to re-roof the building to make it watertight for the long term, as well as repairing cladding and windows that offer better protection against the elements. A temporary waterproof roof covering was put on in February but the planning application seeks to replace this was a much better structure.

The inside will also be given an overhaul and, although no major changes to the outside are expected, the college wants the building to have a ‘fresh appearance’ to fit in with the nearby Main Hall and improve the look of the campus.

The college wises to retain the overall style of the building to ensure it fits in with the rest of the site. 

A new fire escape is also proposed to tie in with modern building regulations, not in force when the building was originally constructed.

Bridgwater College principal Mike Robbins said: “The application is the first phase of refurbishment following the storm damage at Cannington Centre.”

This work is the most pressing, but further spruce ups will follow the, college added.

Cannington Parish Council is supporting the application as members say the design and materials are appropriate. Comments on the scheme can be made to Sedgemoor District Council, the planning authority, until August 26.