THE biggest development in the history of a Darlington college will enter a new phase next week.

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Vane Terrace, is being updated in a £4m project.

The second stage of the scheme, which is the most extensive undertaken by the college in its 50-year history, begins on Tuesday, when architects and builders join forces.

Browne Smith Baker and Washington-based construction company Clugstons have been chosen to carry out the remodelling work, which will bring the college's facilities into the 21st Century.

A spokeswoman for the companies said the work would help cater for the increasing number of students.

"The development, which is planned for completion next August, consists of a new sports hall within a specially designed new building, built over four floors," she said.

"The top floor is being given over to the arts department, with workshops for woodwork, ceramics and fabric design. The lower area will provide approximately 30 classrooms incorporating specialised laboratories, music and drama areas and information technology suites."

A turf cutting ceremony will mark the beginning of the work.

Earlier this year, Darlington Borough Council gave permission for the extension, despite significant local opposition.

Barratt Homes is to build 61 houses on land adjacent to the college, providing the money needed to fund the refurbishment and an extension to the wing facing Abbey Road.

The drama centre, hockey fields and tennis courts will be lost, but the nearby Abbey Road playing fields have been enhanced by the building of a perimeter fence and the installation of security cameras. The development is one of three education projects in Darlington.

The announcement of the sixth form plans closely followed that of a £35m education village being built on the site of Haughton Community School.

In addition, Darlington College of Technology is relocating to the Haughton Road area in a £27m move.