Plans for a new workforce-training facility at Sandhills Community College have cleared an important local review.
The Southern Pines Town Council approved an Architectural Compliance Permit for the project on October 13. The new building would support technical education and skilled-trade programs at the college.
Labs and classrooms planned
The base design contains approximately 39,400 square feet. An alternate design would expand the building to about 45,100 square feet by adding a laboratory for the college’s construction curriculum.
Plans include five high-bay laboratories, a computer laboratory, three classrooms and administrative space. Programs expected to use the facility include construction, plumbing, mechanical systems, ductwork, electrical work, advanced manufacturing and welding.
Final design depends on funding and bids
The facility is planned for the site of the existing baseball field near the Dempsey Student Center and McKean Campus Service Center.
Town approval allows the project to advance, but the final building configuration has not yet been selected. College officials are expected to determine which version can move forward after reviewing construction bids and available funding.
The project is intended to expand training opportunities for students preparing for skilled careers and employers seeking trained workers in Moore County and the surrounding region.
Source: Sandhills Sentinel. Feature photo via Town of Southern Pines
