THE derelict Northwich Railway Station building could be transformed into a community learning centre at a cost of £530,000.

A proposal on the project was due to be discussed by county councillors yesterday, Tuesday.

Equipped with a cyber caf, training rooms and a community room, the centre would give people the chance to improve their job prospects by acquiring new skills and qualifications.

It would also provide a focal point for initiatives designed to address key social issues, such as community safety and drug and alcohol misuse.

Funding for the renovation work is expected to come from a range of partner organisations, including a proposed contribution of £190,000 from the county council's Lifelong Learning Service.

As part of a partnership project to renovate and refurbish the building, the owners, SPACIA, propose to lease an area of the building to Vale Royal Borough Council for use as a learning centre.

Shirley Harris, education and community strategic panel chairman and Northwich county councillor, said: "This is an exciting concept which would help to address the need within Cheshire to improve the basic skills levels in our most disadvantaged communities.

"Consultation with the community in east Northwich has shown a clear need for a locally-based centre providing flexible learning opportunities.

"The views of local people have been a key consideration in developing the concept for the community learning centre."

She added: "It is important to stress that this proposal is still at the drawing board stage and there remains a number of issues which require clarification."

Subject to approval, renovation work is expected to begin in the summer.

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk