Last April, the government approved the college’s bid for funding to convert its tower block and technology buildings into a state-of-the art facility which aims to help tackle a skills shortage in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The college is leading a consortium to oversee development of the IoT, which is expected to offer high-level technical qualifications in advanced manufacturing and engineering, life sciences, digital sciences and creative media.

It will occupy the prominent, seven-storey Pegasus Tower and the Corvus wing right next to it, in the heart of the 10-building campus.

Project director Steve Wain said: “We are delighted to be moving forward with the project to establish the Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology to the point where we can start the development of the North Star site this autumn.

“Despite the challenges which we have all faced this year, a significant amount of work and collaboration from all those involved in the project has enabled us to keep on track with plans.

“We look forward to being able to deliver higher level technical skills and new innovation in the area, increasing opportunities for young people and adult learners and supporting local business growth”.

To make the newly-constructed entrance of the new college even more obvious, a grassed area outside will be remade into a plaza-type approach, some overgrown trees will be cut back or removed and a huge sign will indicate the way in.

This will be in the link block between the tower and the low-rise wing.

The application put into Swindon Borough Council by Swindon College says: “The existing Pegasus and Corvus buildings of the Swindon College campus provide a unique opportunity to provide an industry leading, agile teaching environment and to bring these buildings back into full use as an iconic landmark for Swindon.”

The tower will still be used by Swindon College as it is being split between the two different institutions. The IoT will use the northern half of the tower nearest the rest of its buildings in the Corvus wing.

The upper floors will be used for administration and teaching spaces and a space for collaborative working.

The motor vehicle workshops in the wing will be moved out and a larger open-plan engineering and manufacturing area created.

The college’s application suggests a progression from new ideas happening at the top of the tower, research and development on the floors beneath and manufacturing, delivery and display taking place on the lower floor in the Corvus wing.

When Swindon was selected as one of a dozen sites for the new IoT from 130 applications across the country, it was announced it would open in autumn 2021.

The college will offer what the government calls a higher technical education – pitched between A-levels and an undergraduate degree course.