Wirral’s £20m plan passes university challenge

A £20m plan to create a higher education centre on the Wirral has moved a step closer to having its funding approved.

The University of Chester’s proposal to build the centre is one of six out of 23 that have been approved for the Higher Education Funding Council’s University Challenge initiative, which aims to build links between education institutions and their communities to help drive economic growth.

The Higher Education Centre would provide teaching and learning, encourage young people to stay on in education, promote adult learning, and offer workforce training.

It incorporates a further education campus for Wirral Metropolitan College and a special educational needs teaching facility.

Any further progress is subject to a decision on how much Government funding is available. If funding is approved, the first students could begin their studies in September 2012.

Professor Tim Wheeler, the University of Chester’s vice-chancellor, said: “Although the plans are very much in their early stages and further progress is subject to funding, we believe this proposal could help unlock the potential, competitiveness and productivity of the Wirral by providing a stable and nurturing environment within which individuals can be supported to maximise their talents.”

The proposal was developed in conjunction with Wirral Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency and Wirral Metropolitan College.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, said: “Access to higher education is a key driver for economic growth in the region. The NWDA has worked closely with all Wirral partners and I am delighted the development is now one step closer to becoming a significant joined-up Learning Zone for the local community.”