A MULTI-MILLION IT centre could get a further £300,000 funding to buy computer equipment if proposals are given the go-ahead.

The Argus reported in October how Blaenavon’s Victoria House will become a home for computer services from public services across Gwent in a £3million project.

This is as part of a bid to see the Valleys town become the new technological hub of south east Wales.

The centre will see IT facilities from local authorities, further education colleges and Gwent Police rehoused under one state-of-the-art centre.

Around 50 staff will be based at the centre and while no new jobs will be created initially it is hoped opportunities for new jobs could be created in the future.

Funding for the centre has been provided mainly by the Assembly with additional funding from Gwent Police and the council.

Despite this, there is still a £300,000 funding gap which is needed to buy computer equipment to operate the centre.

This was originally going to be gained through external grants, but due to a lack of these the council are now proposing using £300,000 which has been saved from the Life Station project in Trevethin due to it receiving more external grants than expected.

The Life Station is a £2.73 million project which will provide informal learning for adults based in Trevethin, St Cadocs, Penygarn and the surrounding areas on issues including health, education and sport.

The project is also funded by the Assembly through the physical regeneration fund as well as the Heads of the Valley project fund and the council.

A report by Deputy Chief Executive, Peter Durkin states: “Without the vired funding the scheme would still progress but its pace and standard would be compromised, which is not something that is desirable on such an innovative and transformational scheme.”