University of Cumbria could sell Ambleside sites

THE University of Cumbria has admitted it may have to sell-off some of its estate to reduce its £8.4m trading deficient.

The university, which was formed less than two and a half years ago, said earlier this month that it had been forced to review its business plan to “reflect the economic climate” and “government funding” issues.

But now, the university has revealed the extent of its trading deficient and said it feels it has “too much estate”, admitting that the sale of certain assets on the Ambleside site is being considered.

The Ambleside campus comprises 15 buildings and around 19 acres, spread across three sites.

The university has confirmed that the campus will no longer house undergraduate studies from September 2010 and that although no courses would be changed, provision of these course will be moved to the university’s Carlisle, Lancaster and Newton Rigg sites.

It said it expects this change alone to save the university up to £2m.

A spokesperson for the university confirmed to TheBuisnessDesk that the sale of certain assets at the site was being considered.

“We have 17 sites an as part of that we need to look at the portfolio. We have lots of duplication of the portfolio,” she said.

Professor Peter McCaffery. vice chancellor and chief executive, said: “It’s important to stress the University of Cumbria intends to keep a strong presence in Ambleside for activities related to the Lake District, and appropriate to the site.”

He added: “The university will look to work with the community on plans for a medium to long term sustainable plan for the campus which can contribute to the community.”

It said more detailed plans will be drawn up before February, when the university will hold a board meeting.