PLANS for new facilities at Wigan and Leigh College could be handed a cash boost this week.

Greater Manchester combined authority bosses are expected to sign off an "approval in principle" for a £603,000 grant from its Skills Capital fund.

The college submitted a business case last year for a new manufacturing laboratory and an extension to its social learning hub.

The total project cost is £1.8m, according to a report tabled for Friday’s combined authority meeting.

It says the investment is "recommended for approval in principle" subject to the backing of GM leaders.

A due diligence process would then take place, the report adds.

Although specific details of the project are not included in the open part of the GMCA report, there is an outline of how the funds will be spent.

New facilities include an "additive manufacturing laboratory" along with an extension to the existing social learning hub.

A new plumbing workshop will be created, the report adds, along with a "thermo/fluid laboratory and materials/process laboratory".

A spokesman for the college said full details will be provided if the project receives full approval.

The Skills Capital fund is part of the GM Growth Deal which has £71m earmarked for education projects to be delivered through to 2021.