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The
feasibility study, undertaken by consultants KPMG, backs plans for
the expansion of University College Worcester utilising the old
Royal Infirmary site in Castle Street, in Worcester city centre.
The
study was paid for by the Higher Education Funding Council for England
(HEFCE), Advantage West Midlands, Worcestershire County Council,
Worcester City Council, the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Learning
and Skills Council and UCW itself.
The key findings of the study included that:
- There is significant additional, projected student demand for
UCW, with UCW projected to grow to 12,000 students by 2012.
- UCW's specific proposals for growth have the potential to create
an engine for entrepreneurial growth and higher level skills development
relevant to the workforce needs of Herefordshire and Worcestershire,
and the West Midlands as a whole
- The site of the former Worcester Royal Infirmary at Castle
Street is a suitable location for UCW's second site and creates
the possibility of a University in Worcester with two sites operating
as an efficient single campus.
- There is widespread support amongst the local community, employers
and all key stakeholders for the growth of UCW.
- 77% of residents polled support the expansion.
- The expansion programme is financially viable and will provide
a positive economic and social return.
- The expansion will deliver value for money, with the enlarged
UCW providing the higher education needs of Herefordshire and
Worcestershire and the surrounding areas.
- The shared infrastructure proposal features a modern library
and learning resource centre and a business intelligence library.
This is for general public and community use, as well as for UCW’s
students and those of the Worcester College of Technology.
Principal Professor David Green, welcomed this backing for the college's
expansion plans:
"This is a major undertaking and the proposal had to be right to get
both the widespread backing it has received from our partner organisations
in the region as well as satisfying stringent financial and other
tests.
"This report and the acquisition of the Castle Street site by
Advantage West Midlands gives us the opportunity to move ahead strongly
and rapidly with this new development which is so right for all concerned.
"Going ahead with this expansion will ensure we continue to widen
participation and allow equality of access to UCW for students from
all backgrounds.
"We will also be providing a unique learning centre and library
in the heart of the city to serve higher education students, further
education students, business and children in the city and the two
counties."
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