The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has announced that 13 further education (FE) institutions that have progressed to the next stage of a scheme designed to help fund construction projects.

More than 180 FE institutions submitted proposals to the LSC as part of the FE Capital programme, which have been judged on the potential education and skills impact, the contribution to local regeneration efforts and value for money. Each of the 13 shortlisted institutions will now have to reduce the cost of initial plans and to examine other potential funding sources without reducing the proposed learning benefits or delaying the construction process.

LSC chief executive Geoff Russell said: "These are the projects that will bring the greatest benefit to learners and communities across the country. They will have a substantial impact on the education and skills environment in their locality by transforming the condition of college buildings. "In conjunction with wider regeneration projects to which they are integral, they will help to revitalise communities. While they show good value for money and excellent links with third party funding, we will ask each of these colleges to find additional cost savings in order that we can afford to fund additional projects."

The 13 FE institutions include: Barnsley College, Bournville College, Furness College, Hartlepool College of Further Education, Kirklees College, Leyton Sixth Form Collge and Manchester College - Wythenshawe. North West Kent College, St Helens College, Sandwell College, South Thames College, Tresham Institute of Further and Higher Education in Corby and West Cheshire College have also been shortlisted.