WELLS — Having secured the city Planning Board’s permit approval, York County Community College is proceeding with plans to build an 18,000-square-foot facility to accommodate a growing need for academic space.

The new building will be used for classrooms, laboratories, an auditorium-style lecture hall, a multi-purpose student common area and offices.

Currently, the only academic building on campus serves a student body of more than 1,700, although it was built to serve just 1,300.

The Town of Wells Planning Board approved the permit on Feb. 22.

“The college community is excited that YCCC has been given approval from the town of Wells to move forward with the construction of this long-anticipated building,” said Barbara Finkelstein, president of YCCC, in a statement. “The new facility will enable the college to address serious space constraints and expand the quality programs we offer the citizens of York County and the companies that employ them.”

College officials are working with Oak Point Associates of Biddeford to complete the building design and begin the bid process. They hope to break ground this spring.

According to Stacy Chilicki, director of marketing and communications at YCCC, the new building will not only provide student space, but allow for community events that will enable the college to serve as a popular function venue.

“Trying to obtain the permit with Wells has been a long process, but we’re thrilled with the outcome,” said Chilicki. “Right now, we’re in the process of laying out the plan.

“Until we’ve completed, students will continue to stay learning in the one building. It’s a tight space, and we’ve had to be really creative with scheduling in order to avoid an overcrowded building, but once this project is done, students will have other options for places to stay on campus.”

Established in 1994, YCCC is one of seven community colleges in the Maine Community College System. According to the college, it enrolls nearly 3,000 students annually in certificate and associate degree programs, continuing education, career and professional development, and business training.

For more information, call 646- 9282 or visit yccc.edu.