HEFCE to lead a debate on developing local higher education provision

24 July 2008

HEFCE announced today that it will lead a consultation with a wide range of organisations to identify ways communities can bid for funds for a higher education (HE) centre or university campus.

The consultation follows the publication of 'A new "University Challenge"' by John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills earlier this year. The document sets out the Government's plans to open up towns and cities to bid for new opportunities for higher education.

The new centres will offer high quality HE to local people and support wider benefits to communities and businesses. Crucial to their development and success will be the combined investment of regional development agencies, local authorities, education partners, employers and community groups.

HEFCE's funding contribution will be allocated from its strategic development fund, which has a total of £150 million available for this and other high priority projects for the period up to 2010-11. Subject to receiving high quality bids and sufficient additional funding, HEFCE expects to support 20 new centres by 2014. When fully operational these should provide places for an additional 10,000 students.

John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said:

'Universities and colleges are vital to our country both nationally in ensuring our success on the world stage and equally important at a local level in our towns and cities creating jobs, bringing new skills, driving regeneration and enriching cultural life.

'I want to build on the successes of the last few years which have seen new centres of higher education transforming local economies and the lives of local people. I have asked HEFCE to seek the views of a wide range of people on how best to do this and I look forward to hearing the outcome of this consultation'

Professor David Eastwood, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said:

'At HEFCE we are committed to supporting the development of local higher education centres involving higher and further education institutions, and local and regional partners and businesses. Such initiatives led by HEFCE in areas such as Cumbria, Cornwall, and Suffolk already demonstrate the benefits of this investment in developing high level skills, widening participation and economic regeneration.

'We warmly welcome the Government's support for this agenda and look forward to a vigorous debate. We hope a wide variety of organisations will give us their views on the best way of bringing high quality higher education to an increasing number of local communities.'

HEFCE will engage in the debate with the HE sector, employer and community organisations until 17 October. There will be meetings in London on 23 September, Leeds on 24 September, and Birmingham on 26 September. HEFCE will also welcome expressions of interest in new proposals during the consultation period to gauge likely future demand.