A new site has been proposed for building a key project in the regeneration of Stevenage's town centre.

Stevenage Innovation and Technology Centre (SITEC), which has been subject to delays, could now find a home on the Town Square, in a building adjacent to the Co-Space offices.

Members of Stevenage Development Board heard that "partners were exploring an option" to locate it on the site.

Previously, SITEC was expected to be built either on the existing North Herts College campus or at a new location in the town centre.

Phase one of the project opened at North Herts College a year ago, with phase two yet to get off the ground.

SITEC will provide Level 3, 4 and 5 courses in science, technology, engineering and health subjects, as well as a range of apprenticeship opportunities.

The facility in the town centre, when completed, is expected to accommodate 400-500 full-time students on study programmes and T-Levels related to engineering, construction and sustainable technologies.

They would be joined by 50-70 students to Higher Education level programmes, 100-150 apprentices on day-release programmes, and hundreds of adult learners taking part in remote, part-time or evening learning.

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Around 50 staff would be employed in lecturing, technician and student support roles.

According to the business case submitted in 2022, SITEC had a provisional completion date of spring 2024. That was later pushed back, with millions of pounds of Towns Fund money that was due to be spent in 2023/24 now pushed back.

Stevenage received a total of £37.5m from the government's Towns Fund, which must be spent in full by the end of March 2026. It is being used to fund projects such as a civic hub, sports and leisure centre, and Enterprise Centre.

SITEC is expected to cost £10m, with £5m of Towns Fund money, £3m from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and £2m from the private sector.

Stevenage Borough Council's regeneration team and North Herts College are now working with architects and consultants about the new site, as well as engaging with potential funders.