PLANS to build a £6m media and motor skills facility at Oxford & Cherwell Valley College’s Banbury campus have moved a step closer.

The college has signed a deal with contractor SDC to begin work by the end of the year for a Christmas 2013 opening.

It is the second phase of a major redevelopment of the college’s Broughton Road site.

Its Academy of Creative Arts was opened last year following a £3.5m refurbishment.

The college has a long-term aspiration to move all facilities to the south side of Broughton Road. The north side would then be sold for housing.

Principal Sally Dicketts said: “This development represents a major investment in teaching and learning facilities for our students in Banbury.

“The new media and motor vehicle centres will provide high-quality environments in which students can develop the skills they need to enter employment or progress further in their education.”