New state-of-the-art laboratories could be coming to an Isle of Wight higher education facility as part of a multi-million-pound government scheme.

Through the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), the Isle of Wight College's Centre of Excellence for Composites, Advanced Manufacturing And Marine, more commonly known as CECAMM, has plans to expand.

Using part of the government's £13 million fund, a new higher education digital centre and prototype development suite has been proposed for the site on the Whippingham Technology Park, expanding what it can offer students after their GCSEs.

It will make space for 50 more students and include a theory-based learning lab and a practical prototyping lab.

According to planning documents submitted by Saunders Architects to the Isle of Wight Council, the theory-based lab is designed to mimic facilities in a commercially-connected office space, with conference facilities, computers and screens.

It would be used as a commissioning space, the plans say, where clients can describe a problem and students will work together to create a solution, which will then be pitched to the client.

The prototype lab will have a range of equipment, including 3D printers, software and hardware, to create a design and model for a product using a specification from a client.

The extension of CECAMM is proposed to echo the existing building, through materials and its colour palette.

The IoT was announced at the end of last year as a collaboration between five further education colleges and two universities.

Through a range of flexible post-16 technical qualifications, including T Levels, apprenticeships and degrees, offered across the seven educational partners, the IoT was expected to welcome more than 1,000 students from September in its first academic year.

The IoT will offer courses across the south coast, ranging from superyacht engineering and manufacturing wind turbines to researching sustainable solutions to climate change and building virtual production film sets.

Partners of the IoT include Southampton Solent University, the University of Portsmouth, Brockenhurst College and Eastleigh College.

You can view the plans for CECAMM, 23/01231/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council's planning register. Comments can be made until September 4.