An announcement on the location of the Upper Spencer Gulf Australian Technical College is expected this Friday, putting an end to speculation about the college's site.
First earmarked for the Railway Station, the college now looks set to be built on TAFE SA grounds on the corner of Carlton Parade and Highway One.
City manager John Stephens said safety concerns for students prevented the Railway Station from being used.
"There was a little bit of negativity about the Railway Station, we always had the vision it would be a fantastic location for a college, it just wasn't to be," Mr Stephens said.
"There was a strong view the Railway Station was unsuitable, it needs to be a school environment on the basis the whole building needs to comply."
The Independent Schools Registration Board determines and registers independent schools, which the Technical College falls under, in South Australia with the Railway Station falling short of current requirements.
According to Mr Stephens other locations being considered for the college included Elura Lodge.
He is hopeful the proposed TAFE site will gain approval from the board.
"There's quite a bit of land there, enough to provide for the buildings.
"It will be a brand new site within the TAFE complex and obviously TAFE is already a registered school."
"We're confident the registration board will give it the thumbs up, it's a brand new site and will be built for administration as well as having a school environment."
Northern Regional Development Board Chief Executive Jerry Johnson said an official announcement was yet to be made.
"We're very hopeful, things are moving along in the right direction," he said.
Port Augusta City Council is the proponent of the project with the headquaters to be located here.
Other campuses will be located in Roxby Downs, Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Lincoln.
Expected to open early next year, the college could cater for as many as 300 students.
Students will enrol in courses covering the metal and engineering trades, automotives, electro-technology, building and construction and commercial cookery with delivery being primarily through existing public and private schools, TAFE's and Registered Training Organisations across the area.
Mr Stephens said a use for the Railway Station is still being sought.
"It's a little disappointing, we still haven't found a new site for the Railway Station, it's owned and maintained by Transport SA," Mr Stephens said.
"It's like the Town Hall, it's an icon, a substantial building."