1 August 2007
HEFCE welcomes the creation of the University of Cumbria
HEFCE has warmly welcomed the creation of the University of Cumbria which was officially launched today.
Professor David Eastwood, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said:
'The University of Cumbria is a new kind of institution with distributed campuses designed to meet the diverse needs of learners in urban and rural locations. We are delighted to have been part of its planning and development - working closely with St Martins College, Cumbria Institute of the Arts and the University of Central Lancashire - alongside the Northwest Regional Development Agency and other partners.
'As we continue to support this unique institution, we look forward to it realising the vision expressed in the Harris Report (see note 2) of providing greatly enhanced opportunities for learners of all ages throughout Cumbria and beyond, and for employers and employees in both the public and private sectors. The university will provide a major vehicle in the North West for economic growth, better services and personal development.'
The creation of Britain's newest university, which is expected to cost over £145 million during its first five years, will benefit from funding from HEFCE, Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and other partners.
HEFCE has provided £10 million to support the development of the university and the development of higher education in the region, and the NWDA announced initial funding of £9.45 million for the creation of the university.
Developing the role of higher education through the University of Cumbria is highlighted in the Northwest Regional Economic Strategy as a key transformational action because of the key role it will play in helping keep young talent in the region, which is critical to boosting the economy.
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, said:
'Improving access and participation into higher education and retaining talent is vital to the development of Cumbria's economy. This is why the Agency strongly supports the development of The University of Cumbria. We welcome the official launch of the UK's newest university, which marks the start of an exciting future for higher education in Cumbria.'
The University of Cumbria has been formed a result of the merger of the St Martins College, Cumbria Institute of the Arts in Carlisle, and two of the Cumbrian campuses of the University of Central Lancashire.
Professor Christopher Carr, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cumbria, commented:
'We are committed to provide a first class environment of higher education that is tailored to meet the needs of the region and of which the region can be proud. Cumbria has suffered over the years from the fact that much of its skills base has been lost to other areas due to a lack of opportunity to follow a path of higher education in the region. The University of Cumbria aims to change that by retaining the best local talent as well as widening participation to allow people from every background the chance to excel and providing Cumbria a healthy base from which to face the future. Such an ambitious project requires substantial funding and we are delighted to be able to work alongside such supportive partners to ensure we can make our ambition a reality.'
Notes
1. HEFCE has provided £10 million which includes £8.17 million to support the development of the University of Cumbria and £1.83 million for Cumbria Higher Learning. This includes the four further education colleges working with the university and other providers in offering higher education opportunities throughout the county. HEFCE has also provided funding for 200 additional student numbers to support Cumbria Higher Learning.
2. Sir Martin Harris was commissioned by HEFCE to report on the future of higher education in Cumbria (the Harris Report). This report was published by HEFCE on 21 September 2005. His report proposed the formation of a new university for Cumbria through the amalgamation of St Martin's College and Cumbria Institute of the Arts by August 2007. The new university will have lead responsibility for major distributed learning systems working with the four further education colleges in Cumbria and other partners in the Lifelong Learning Network.
3. The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England's North West region.
4. The University of Central Lancashire has transferred two of its campuses in Cumbria (Carlisle and Newton Rigg) to the new university, which will take over their operation from 1 August 2007. UCLan will continue to operate in Cumbria at its West Lakes Research Institute, near Whitehaven.