A new report has uncovered how much the Preston-based University of Central Lancashire is worth to the city and the North West.
AdvertisementThe university is one of the largest employers in the city with 3,290 staff on its Preston campus with a further 1,000 spread across other campuses.
The report, commissioned by the university, shows it contributes around £200m a year to the North West economy.
Professor Mike Thomas, UCLan’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “We have known for a long time that the University has a positive impact on the local and regional economy, but to have this verified in this comprehensive report is fantastic news.
“We work very closely with the Local Enterprise Partnership and the report helps us understand how we can continue to maximise our local economic and social impacts as we implement the University’s strategy.
“As an ‘anchor institution’ within Preston, the University has a key stake in the future of the area and generates significant levels of spend and numbers of jobs. Importantly, we help bring talented people into the region and to Preston which brings additional benefits to the visitor economy.
“Combined with the implementation of the Masterplan and the redevelopment of our campus we’ll also be creating more jobs. However, the University’s focus is ensuring the region has a talented and skilled labour pool so it can compete on a global level. Alongside other universities in the region, we are making an important contribution to increasing skills and sharing our knowledge with organisations to ensure they develop a competitive edge creating additional employment.”
The university has begun work on a £200 million regeneration of the Preston campus, with the demolition of the Fylde Building being the first step.
Related: Watch timelapse footage of the Fylde Building being taken down
Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, of which UCLan is a member, said: “UCLan’s contribution to the economy of Preston, Lancashire and the North West as a whole cannot be underestimated.
“To have one of the country’s best universities situated at the heart of our capital city is yet another reason for Prestonians to be such a proud group of people.
“To see this backed up by such strong figures in terms of economic footprint and employment figures is very pleasing.
“And we are well aware that the contribution of UCLan is only going to increase with the ongoing redevelopment, the results of which I cannot wait to see.”
What do you think of the figure? Do you work at the university? Let us know in the comments below