University centre plan for city backed

It is hoped the centre will offer a range of courses that will help to create a more highly-qualified workforce and be a major catalyst for boosting the area’s economy.

Wakefield Council’s cabinet are set to give their backing to the development of the university centre, which is the brainchild of bosses at Wakefield College, at a meeting next week.

A report to the council’s cabinet says: “The lack of presence...by higher education institutions in the district, supporting innovation, is seen as detrimental to the development of growth companies already in the district and the ability for us to attract inward investors.

“The Wakefield University Centre will provide a world class higher education learning facility for the people of Wakefield, which will offer a range of courses directly aligned to support the key sectors identified in the Jobs and Growth Plan.”

The proposals are being led by Wakefield College, which will do most of the planning.

Council officials will help in talks with university partners as well as with local businesses and the wider community.