The project is on hold until funding can be found, although the college is a key provider of services for some of the biggest names in the two fields.

Principal Linda Mackay addressed members of Falkirk Council's economic strategy and development committee recently.

The college became the fifth largest in Scotland when Falkirk linked with its Clackmannan counterpart in 2005. It also has a campus in Stirling.

Mrs Mackay said: "We are ready to take this forward as soon as funding is available, but we are still working on that.

''This is a strategic investment not just for Forth Valley but for Scotland as a whole because of the profile we have in science and
technology and the services we provide to major players."

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