23 November 2001
University signals commitment to Cheshire
THE CREATION of a single campus for the Manchester Metropolitan University in Cheshire has taken a giant step forward with the appointment of planning consultants Austin Smith Lord.
The international group has been commissioned to undertake research and provide a master plan to guide the University's estate strategy over the next decade.
With close on 6,000 students, many from Cheshire, North Staffs and Shropshire, Cheshire's only university will concentrate on an expanded site at Crewe.
The move to a single campus will provide students and staff with outstanding facilities, including new lecture theatres, sports facilities and halls of residence, and consolidate further MMU's presence and contribution to higher education in the region.
MMU's overall estate strategy aims to concentrate its central its Manchester campuses on one site, but retain and develop its campuses at Crewe and Didsbury.
The newly-appointed Dean of Crewe and Alsager, Dennis Dunn said: "These are exciting times for us and for everyone who wishes to see a thriving university in Cheshire. The appointment of the master planners gives the clearest possible signal of our commitment to remain the major provider of excellent higher education in Cheshire."
The planners first task will be to assess the existing Crewe site and identify how future space needs can be met. They will deliver their blueprint for the future in a report in the Spring.
Planners will also canvass the views of key local partners and interest groups. Dr Bob Ritchie, Head of the Department of Business and Management Studies said: "We are determined to seize this opportunity to extend our relationships with business and organisations in Crewe."
