University leaving town a 'massive blow'

The loss of a Shrewsbury university campus is a "massive blow" to the town, councillors have said.

The University of Chester announced that it would leave the town because its campus was no longer viable, after it was told by landlords Shropshire Council that it could no longer continue to use the Guildhall rent free.

The university has been told to leave by the autumn with the council eyeing up the building as potential office accommodation, as it negotiates its own exit from an ageing Shirehall across town.

The future of the University Centre Shrewsbury project remains unclear, although Shropshire Council said it would continue to work with the university to find alternative accommodation.

In a letter read out to Shrewsbury Town Council’s March meeting, the university’s deputy provost, Paul Johnson, thanked the council for its support – but said the Shrewsbury campus was no longer financially sustainable in its current format.

Shrewsbury Town Council leader Alan Mosley said he was “disappointed” that the university seemed to be blaming Shropshire Council for the situation.

“I can remember the buzz when the university first came here and it was seen as a step forward – Shrewsbury was catching up with many other large towns and cities in the country,” he said.

"It’s sad times for the town.”

Bowbrook councillor Alex Wagner said he believed the university had become “collateral” in Shropshire Council’s decision to leave Shirehall, with the university’s departure opening up the potential for Shropshire Council to reoccupy the Guildhall later this year.

Mr Wagner said: “We’re going to end up with no university in town most likely."

A University of Chester spokesperson said it was looking at alternatives to ensure current students would be able to complete their qualifications.

“We are committed to ensuring that all our current students at UCS will be supported to complete their qualifications and are looking at the best ways for this to happen at other locations, preferably in Shropshire, and using alternative delivery modes.

"We are also discussing how we might use existing specialist facilities to deliver these courses. A range of options is under review and we will be sure to keep students regularly updated.”

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X, and Instagram, Send your story ideas to: [email protected]