University of Wolverhampton to close Telford campus after 32 years in town

The shock decision will see the university abandoning its Priorslee campus - including the historic Priorslee Hall, which was previously home to the Telford Development Corporation.

The university set up in the town in 1994 and the closure will see engineering courses at the site moved to Wolverhampton, while nursing will transfer to other areas, including to an extended presence at its Walsall campus.

The move is a significant blow for the area, and comes after Shrewsbury lost its university last year; the University of Chester left the county town after saying its campus was no longer viable.

Local politicians have voiced their disappointment at the move, though they have highlighted the ongoing educational projects in the town - involving Telford College and the successful Harper Adams University.

Shaun Davies, Telford's Labour MP and former leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “While I am disappointed that the University of Wolverhampton will be moving away from Telford, I’d like to thank them for their commitment to Telford in recent years. My priority is to ensure that Telford remains a town with strong access to higher and further education opportunities.

“Exciting educational projects are underway for our town, including The Quad, home to Telford College and Harper Adams University, and we also have a number of other first-class educational facilities throughout our town.