Representatives from Shropshire and further afield were invited to the event at Rowley’s House, in Shrewsbury town centre, yesterday (Thursday 18 December 2014).

The event also provided an opportunity to share information and show how the ground floor of Rowley’s House has been refurbished, in advance of the opening of the reception area from January 2015.

Work has taken place to transform the rooms sympathetically into spaces for teaching, events, and to provide an information point where people can drop in and find out more about University Centre Shrewsbury.  People will soon be able to visit Rowley’s House to learn more about a course, how their organisation or business can work with University Centre Shrewsbury, and to learn about overall developments.

University Centre Shrewsbury is being established by the University of Chester and Shropshire Council after research showed there was strong demand and interest in a new institution to serve the needs of the county.

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

“Yesterday’s event was organised to say ‘thank you’ to everyone for their enthusiasm and ongoing support, as we look forward to a momentous year for University Centre Shrewsbury in 2015.

“While postgraduate courses are already underway, we’ll be welcoming more postgraduates and our first undergraduate students.

“We’re excited to be taking the next steps in our development and will continue to work with councillors, students, residents, businesses, voluntary and community groups, education providers and others to create as many benefits as possible.”

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, added:

“2015 will be a really exciting year for University Centre Shrewsbury as we look forward to welcoming our first undergraduates in the autumn.  Last night’s event showed that there’s a huge amount of support and enthusiasm for University Centre Shrewsbury, which really will be fantastic for Shrewsbury and for Shropshire.”

The Mayor of Shrewsbury, the Bishop of Shrewsbury and High Sheriff of Shropshire were among those who attended the Christmas reception.  Members of Shrewsbury Civic Society, Shrewsbury Town Council, Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association, Shrewsbury Business Chamber, and Shropshire Further and Higher Education Institutions, also joined the festivities.

For further information on University Centre Shrewsbury, go to www.ucshrewsbury.co.uk or email enquiries@ucshrewsbury.co.uk.

More information is also available at:

• Facebook – /ucshrewsbury
• Twitter – @ucshrewsbury