University status 'will be a boon to town's economy' (From Warrington Guardian)

University status 'will be a boon to town's economy'

BECOMING a campus university town is not only a boost to those studying in Warrington but the business community as well.

Warrington's Padgate campus has been celebrating its university status after official confirmation came last month that the former University college Chester will from now on be named the University of Chester.

But it has now been revealed that the change in status will be a massive boost to everyone in Warrington and could be worth up to £5m for the local economy over the next 12 months.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the Northwest Development Agency, himself a former principle at the Warrington campus, said: "Warrington already has a strong economic profile and this will add to it.

"It's very good news for Warrington, which has a strong tradition in higher education.

"I am delighted that Warrington has gained university status. The very fact of having a university in the town will attract academics and contribute greatly to the economic development of the town, which is continuing to benefit from millions of pounds worth of investment.

"I believe having a university will add between four and five million pounds to the local economy."

The Warrington and Chester campuses of the newly formed university were given the go ahead to change status in March when the Government created seven new universities.

University status can also trigger increased applications for student places and boost funding and investment opportunities.

Business leaders in the town will also be hoping that the marketing tool of being a university town will be a major plus.