The news comes as local MPs indicated that the college was "highly likely" to get the go-ahead when the Learning and Skills Council meets next month.
That is despite reports that funding for 42 college buildings across the country has been frozen due to the current financial climate.
The college is part of a planned ВЈ100m investment in facilities for young people in Rochdale.
Joe Rodgers fought for what’s right, friends say
CBI construction chiefs back council house building plan