Councillors to discuss latest plans for a new university for Shropshire

Councillors are to discuss the latest plans for a new university for Shropshire which could boost the local economy by tens of millions of pounds every year, create thousands of jobs and provide unprecedented opportunities for students.

The University of Chester, Shropshire Council and ip&e, the Shropshire Council-owned company, have been working with a range of partners to develop the plans.

The institution would be created through support and guidance from the University of Chester in its early days, but would, in time, seek its own self-governing status and ultimately become a free-standing university.

It is anticipated that the university would help create thousands of jobs in the region, and £61 million each year for the local economy.

A report to a meeting of full Council on Thursday 17 July 2014 asks councillors to support the overall project and approve work to bring a range of sites forward for detailed consideration in September.

The report lists a number of sites in Shrewsbury which could potentially be used by the new university as teaching or student accommodation – although officers are keen to stress that discussions are still taking place and no decisions have yet been made.

Sites being suggested for consideration are Rowley’s House, The Guildhall, Shirehall, Frankwell and Abbey Foregate car parks, along with the former reference library building and Shrewsbury Library, which could potentially result in a much-expanded service for residents.

The Tannery building, which is currently empty, and associated car park are also being considered as potential sites which would help breathe new life into Shrewsbury’s West End.

Subject to full council’s approval, detailed feasibility work will now be commissioned to bring forward detailed proposals for these sites.

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“It’s great to see these plans for a university based in Shrewsbury progressing.  A lot of work still needs to be done to ensure that the right sites are found, but there’s great enthusiasm and commitment from everyone working together on its development.

“Our vision is for a new university for Shropshire, with a high-quality research, teaching and learning environment, that enables us to attract and retain talent in Shropshire, and that will provide a huge boost to the local economy.

“It really will be win-win for everyone in the county, but we’ll be working together with councillors, businesses and residents associations to maximise the benefits and help minimise any concerns that may emerge in the months ahead.

“I would like to reassure residents that if the library becomes part of the university, public library services would still be provided.  Details like that, such as any potential impact on car parking in Shrewsbury town centre, will be considered as part of the feasibility work.”

Councillors will also be asked to give delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to spend up to £1 million developing the proposals.

The planned student accommodation needs to be available by September 2015, for the first planned undergraduate admissions, and recommendations for its location are being developed through the university Master Plan and will be subject to the normal planning process.

The University of Chester is providing significant staff time and resources in developing the proposals, investing more than £500,000 before the end of the academic year.

Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, added:

“This report outlines the proposed next steps in creating an exceptional new university, of and for Shropshire.

“We want the institution to have as much of a positive impact as possible on the economic, social, cultural and intellectual life of the county and beyond.

“Our vision is to develop together a distinctive new university which is focused on high-quality teaching and research, fosters entrepreneurship and local business, attracts significant investment in Shropshire and reflects what is important to the county.

“The needs and interests of the people of Shropshire will be foremost as these proposals are developed further. Fundamental to our ideals is the positive contribution made to the lives of our students, our staff and our community – and we are excited to explore these opportunities and benefits for Shropshire.”