The business case, which will now be submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), will unlock £3.66m funding for the development.

The academy, which will be developed by Warrington & Vale Royal (WVR) College, will help to drive collaboration between the college, employers and the council to develop, commercialise and promote digital technologies for the construction and civil engineering sectors. The centre will also support construction and engineering partners to build high-quality, smart, efficient homes and building infrastructure more quickly, cost-effectively and sustainably than ever before.

It will help to raise awareness of, and access into, careers in the construction and civil engineering sectors, supporting unemployed residents to progress into employment in local construction and civil engineering businesses.

Nichola Newton, Principal and CEO at WVR college, said: “We are delighted that Cabinet approval has been secured for the Construction & Civil Engineering Academy, a ground-breaking project that will establish a centre of excellence for the construction and civil engineering sectors at our Warrington campus.

“The onward development of the centre provides a fantastic opportunity for the college to work with employers and key stakeholders to co-create an education and skills training offer that will enhance the sectors’ use of digital technologies for improved productivity and sustainability.”

Cllr Tom Jennings, cabinet member for economic development and innovation, said: “Cabinet approval for the Academy is the next vital step to bringing this game-changing scheme to Warrington.

“It will support the next generation of construction and civil engineering professionals and will play a key role in the region as a facility that will support future infrastructure delivery in Warrington and beyond. The council has worked very closely with partners, not least WVR college, in helping to draw together proposals for the Academy and I am pleased to see that our close working continues to pay off.”

To find out more about the Warrington Town Deal, visit warrington.gov.uk/my-town