The City CouncilÂ’s Cabinet is behind the recently-unveiled expansion
plans for University College WorcesterÂ’s second City Centre
Campus at the former Infirmary site in Castle Street.
They are
pledging the ‘strongest possible support’ for the scheme –
which, they say, will not only regenerate a run-down area and complement
its own ambitious vision for the riverside, but will also bring substantial
benefits for Worcester.
They say,
the plans would turn Worcester into a ‘true University City’
.
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Plans
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Leaders also
revealed the full scale of their backing for the scheme by actively encouraging
Advantage West Midlands to acquire the redundant hospital site on UCWÂ’s
behalf.
In a personal
letter to College Principal Professor David Green, Chief
Executive David Wareing this week underlined the CityÂ’s all-out commitment
to UCWÂ’s plans and support for future funding bids.
“Following
your presentation to the Cabinet I am writing to confirm the City Council's
strong support for the expansion of University College by providing a
second campus on the former hospital site at Castle Street.
“As
you know we encouraged Advantage West Midlands to secure a site for your
new campus and to provide the major driver for the regeneration of the
wider St Clements Gate area.
“It
follows that linked to the attainment of full university status we believe
the expansion of UCW will have a very significant and positive impact
on the economy of Worcester and the wider area.
"The
City Council would therefore wish to be seen to fully endorse your bid
for funding to enable this major project to proceed”.
City Council
Leader Stephen Inman also echoed David WareingÂ’s letter of support,
pledging all-out backing for the scheme.
“Having
encouraged the acquisition of the former Infirmary site on UCWÂ’s
behalf, the Cabinet is naturally wholeheartedly behind this scheme and
we await its outcome with interest.
"No
doubt there will be challenges ahead for the City to address but working
together, I am confident that the project will bring substantial benefits
for Worcester by regenerating a derelict site and creating a superb new
learning centre, thereby helping Worcester become a true University City.
“I genuinely
hope that the whole of the City of Worcester will unite behind the CabinetÂ’s
support for this scheme" he said.
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