Hastings campus is '˜central' to improving economy

The leader of East Sussex County Council has said the University of Brighton's Hastings campus is a '˜visible embodiment of aspiration and opportunity'.
Keith Glazier ENGSUS00120130305014207Keith Glazier ENGSUS00120130305014207
Keith Glazier ENGSUS00120130305014207

In a letter sent to vice chancellor Professor Debra Humphris this week, Keith Glazier said the campus was ‘central’ to the work of the council and its partners to improve the economy of the area.

He added this applied to its current economy and ‘building the future economy and workforce of one of the most deprived areas in the country’.

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“The university’s presence in Hastings has been important to the area in a number of respects,” he wrote.

“As a partner in improving education and prospects for young people and as a leading partner in supporting the town’s academies.

“As a visible embodiment of aspiration and opportunity for young people and parents who may not have a history of access to higher education.

“As a symbol of the ambition and commitment of partners to regeneration in the area, helping to attract a range of employment, artistic and cultural opportunities.

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“As a direct contributor to the local economy through the spending of staff and students.”

The University of Brighton is currently reviewing the long-term future of its Hastings campus.

In the letter, Cllr Glazier said he understood the university, like all publicly-funded bodies, was facing financial constraints and needed to review to ensure it could maintain an ‘attractive offer’ for students.

“I believe, however, that a Hastings campus can do more to contribute to that offer as an affordable and vibrant place to study and through the potential to work with existing and potential new local businesses in growth areas such as engineering and the creative and media sector,” he wrote.

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“The Hastings campus is a relatively recent addition to the University of Brighton’s portfolio and has yet to develop its offer to fulfil its full potential.

“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how an improved offer can be developed for the campus, in conjunction with economic development partners and local businesses and which takes advantage of the new opportunities which are opening up in the area through infrastructure improvements and our devolution bid to government, before any final decision is taken.”

Read more about the review by following the links below.

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