A proposed new venture between Telford and Wrekin Council (T&WC) and the University of Wolverhampton to create a new education institute in the heart of the town has been revealed. The centre, a joint partnership exploring different funding and investment models, would seek to grow local participation in Higher Education to meet skills needs and would be aimed at both young and mature learners.
T&WC has identified a potential site overlooking one end of Southwater’s lake, next to Telford Ice Rink and the Travelodge hotel. The aim would be to attract an increased number of students from across the borough and further afield to study in Southwater and Telford.
If given the go-ahead, it would represent one of the final pieces in the completion of the Southwater complex, which has been delivered through a £250m public/private partnership and is now recognised as a regional retail, leisure and conference hub. The University development would have a strong focus on digital and ICT including cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), gaming and cyber security training, tapping into the borough’s growing digital economy.
Telford is already home to a growing digital sector with major companies including Cap Gemini and HMRC National Digital Delivery Centre together employing more than 4,000 people. The partners will continue to work with local employers, colleges and schools in shaping the proposed new venture ensuring that it provides strong education and employment pathways for local people.
