Fanshawe College has announced a new location in downtown Goderich will be opening in February 2016.

The facility will be in the famed 'Kingston Block' at 33 St. David St. and offer a selection of post-secondary courses, including a two-year business - entrepreneurship and management - diploma program starting in the fall.

Students will also be able to access Fanshawe's Continuing Education programs as well.

The new location is the result of a collaboration between the college, the Town of Goderich and the Goderich Business Improvement Area (BIA).

Susan Cluett, dean of the Faculty of Regional and Continuing Education at Fanshawe, said in a statement, “Fanshawe College sincerely appreciates the tremendous support...This new location is one part of our strategy to provide access to post-secondary education for students beyond our traditional campus locations. We felt that it was a natural fit to emphasize our business programming in Goderich, and we look forward to collaborating with members of the local business community.”

Goderich Mayor Kevin Morrison added that town council is excited about the development and the local access to business courses.

“This means that we can build an innovative community from the ground up, matching the students at Fanshawe with mentors in our business community, and boosting regional economic development in the process.”

Fanshawe has had a presence in Huron County for five years at the Reach Centre in Clinton, Ont., which also includes University of Guelph and Contact North programs.