University to open centres beyond main campus for first time in 120 years

Specialist centres are set to open outside a university’s main campus for the first time in more than 120 years.

The two facilities from Harper Adams University, which has a central hub in Edgmond, Shropshire, will focus on animal diagnostics and digital skills.

The animal diagnostics site is earmarked for the Ni-PARK science park in nearby Newport and a teaching and learning centre is to be situated in Telford.

It is set for the Station Quarter, as part of the digital skills and enterprise hub.

Telford and Wrekin Council has partnered with the university to provide the centres.

Harper Adams vice-chancellor, Professor Ken Sloan, said: “Our newly-unveiled strategic plan, which sets our direction to 2030 and beyond, places greater emphasis on collaboration with the organisations and businesses in our region.

“These developments are a tangible demonstration of that collaboration, of our commitment to Telford and Wrekin, and of our desire to help contribute to the levelling-up agenda with the Council.

“This is a strategic collaboration  which will mean people from across the Borough can access ways to enhance their skills and capabilities through a Harper Adams education in a central, accessible location – and will mean enhanced research in animal diagnostics and health, benefitting existing firms and making the region more attractive to others.

“We welcome Telford and Wrekin Council’s belief in the University’s ability to make an even bigger difference in the Borough, enhancing skills, driving forward the research our agri-food businesses need and boosting the local economy.”

Cllr Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin Council leader, said: “This partnership is excellent news for the borough and these two sites will provide first-class facilities which strengthen Telford’s reputation for innovation and as the place to learn new skills which can lead to excellent employment opportunities.

“The new teaching and learning centre is part of the Station Quarter development which will significantly transform and regenerate Telford Town Centre and is part of our vision to create a prosperous future for Telford residents and businesses.

“Meanwhile, Ni.PARK in Newport has become a popular agri-tech community which local, UK and global businesses are already a big part of.

“The state-of-the-art Harper Adams University animal diagnostics facility adds to the high profile agri-tech businesses which are based there and provides opportunities to forge new links with companies in the fast-growing agri-tech sector – enhancing research and development.”

Short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and degree apprenticeships with a digital skills focus will be offered at the new Station Quarter development.

Meanwhile, the Ni.PARK development would be used by the university for the whole range of its activities, including teaching and learning, research and knowledge exchange – including engagement with industry and professional bodies.

Both proposed sites aim to attract a more diverse group of learners on to routes that complement rather than replicate existing degrees offered at the university’s main campus, delivering critical higher-level skills in the local area to support regeneration and economic growth.