TWO of south Essex’s leading colleges could merge by 2015 when a new super campus is built in Basildon.

Seevic and South Essex College are looking into a total merger, when it is expected a new campus for 2,500 students is built in the town centre.

The details emerged following the announcement the current South Essex College site, off Nether Mayne, Basildon, was being sold off for housing.

Seevic already has two bases in the town centre.

Jan Hodges, the principal and chief executive of South Essex College, said: “A consultation is being carried out into how the colleges could operate in partnership. A merger is one option which is being looked into.”

Sarah Wright, Seevic’s principal, admitted her college would consider moving out of campuses it opened at the Icon building, by Basildon rail station, in September 2008, and Church Walk House, just off Great Oaks, in February, once the new joint college building opens.

She denied this would be a waste of almost £3million that was spent renovating both buildings.

She said: “We would look at moving out of our two current bases in the town centre once an acceptable point is reached to end the lease agreements on the buildings.

“However, there are no definite plans to do this at the moment.

“We would have to consider whether future demand for courses would merit keeping all three buildings.”

Seevic, which has its main campus in Runnymede Chase, Thundersley, spent £2.2million converting the Icon into a teaching base. Around £700,000 was put towards refurbishing Church Walk House.

Stephen Horgan, deputy leader of Basildon Council, said: “It will be hugely beneficial to have a thriving college campus right in the heart of the town centre.”