CREWE is hoping to become the leading centre to train those building the £50billion HS2 line that will run through the town.

Manchester Metropolitan University is spearheading a plan to bring a new High Speed Rail College to the town.

The University, in an exciting partnership with Reaseheath and South Cheshire Colleges, is putting forward a proposal to base the new training college at its campus on Crewe Green Road.

The leaders of the bid say they can provide the engineering excellence, training and skills needed to deliver HS2.

If it wins Government backing, the first students could be arriving in 2017, ready to fill the huge demand for jobs linked to constructing the tracks, signalling systems and trains.

The partnership has the backing of the local authorities, business associations and the Local Enterprise Partnership.

Dennis Dunn, MMU Pro Vice Chancellor and bid leader, said “This new elite national college should be at Crewe which is a HS2 hub already announced by government.

“We have the expertise, skills base and capacity amongst the Colleges and University, together with strong backing from business, industry and Cheshire East Council, to present a very compelling case to Government.”

The college believes it could help to train 2,000 engineering apprentices and also offer degrees in engineering-related specialisms. Manchester Metropilitan University could also develop engineering research projects as well.

Details of how many much money could be coming to Crewe if it is chosen as the preferred site are not yet known but the plans would involve knocking down several old student halls of residence on the Crewe Green Road campus, with students using other accommodation blocks nearby.

What do you think about the plans for a HS2 college in Crewe? Email crewe@guardiangrp.co.uk.