Search for HS2 college begins as Stafford campus site touted

That is if the county is chosen to host a specialist HS2 college as ministers today launched a nationwide search.

The Beaconside campus in Stafford is being touted as a possible home for the new college, with civic leaders saying it will bring a much-needed economic boost in the wake of Staffordshire University deciding to leave by 2016.

The bid has also received the backing of the town's biggest private employer Alstom, a world leader in high speed railway, and hopes to win billion pound contracts as part of the controversial project.

The support from key figures in Staffordshire comes despite the fact 45 miles will be carved up by HS2 and vocal opposition from local authorities and campaigners who live along the proposed route in the county.

Stafford Borough Council leader Mike Heenan said: "Stafford is ideally placed for the academy. We will have world-class facilities and accommodation already at Beaconside, we are an incredibly well-connected place, and it is important to note Stafford is a railway town with a rich history and association with the railway. "

Terence Watson, Alstom's UK President, said: "We're proud of our deep involvement in Stafford and can think of no better place for the HS2 Skills Academy to be located."

But Stafford is facing several rival bids. A consortium of nine Midland colleges are calling for the college to be based in Birmingham next to the site of the proposed depot at the former LGV plant in Washwood Heath.

Derby, Crewe and Manchester are also interested.