£1 million approved to kick-start Shropshire university plans

In what was described as one of the most important good news decisions in the life of the unitary authority, councillors voted to approve the budget to bring higher education to Shropshire with the University of Chester.

With Frankwell in Shrewsbury set to become the town's 'education quarter' the university will cater for more than 400 students when it opens its doors in September 2015 and 2,500 by 2021.

Council leader, Councillor Keith Barrow, said the long-term plan was that from an initial university college, the seat of learning would become a free-standing, autonomous, University of Shrewsbury, within seven to 10 years .

He said he also wanted to see the council become involved in offering job placements to students.

"In return we would pay their tuitions fees," he said. "It would mean the students would leave university out of debt."

"I am challenging other employers to follow the council and look to see if they could do the same."

Councillors welcomed the creation of a university.

Councillor Vince Hunt said: "I have two sons one of whom is at university and other who is studying for A-levels. They will not get the chance to go to university in Shropshire but, thanks to the council, my younger daughter will have that chance."

Councillor Alan Mosley congratulated both Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council for its work towards a university for the county.

"This is the best positive news we have had in a long time," he said.

"I applaud those involved."

However, he said he was concerned that the cost of rented accommodation could soar in Shrewsbury as students looked for somewhere to live.

Councillor Barrow agreed that there was concern about rent costs which is why Shropshire Council was investigating the provision of specialist student accommodation.

"Options are being worked up to secure student accommodation for around 300 students to cover the first two years of operation," he said.

The £1 million will be spent on developing the projects, identifying preferred sites, planning and legal arrangements and public consultation for developments.

Options for the council to finance student accommodation will also be considered with a report going back to the council in September.

In the longer term the institution is expected to grow to around 2,000 students within the first five years, comparable in size to Harper Adams University in Edgmond, near Newport.

• Star comment: University status will boost area