University Centre Harlow officially opened by David Willetts MP
Press release issued: 17 April 2012
Harlow College Principal Colin Hindmarch, Anglia Ruskin Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Thorne, Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts MP and Harlow MP Robert Halfon.
The new University Centre Harlow (UCH), a partnership between Anglia Ruskin University and Harlow College has been officially opened by the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science.
The East of England Development Agency (EEDA), Harlow-Stansted Growth Area Partnership led by Harlow Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) contributed a total of £9.3 million for the new 3-storey, 2400 square metre higher education centre on the site at Harlow College's Velizy Avenue campus.
70 students were recruited to start courses in September 2010 in advance of the completion of the building work. A further 100 students started in September 2011. The initial degree level subjects offered were Graphic Design, Early Years, Playwork and Education, Journalism, Sports Journalism and Public Service. Further student places for 2012-13 have been approved, and subject to approval from Anglia Ruskin University, degrees in Engineering, Life Sciences, Construction and Tourism Management will be added to the growing list.
The announcement follows recent positive news for Harlow College, which has seen it placed first nationally in FE College league tables. The new University Centre in Harlow is helping to raise skill levels and increase opportunities for local people and business. Facilities include state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, a 96 seat lecture theatre, graphics design studio, journalism centre, video conferencing facilities and computer suites.
Harlow College Principal Colin Hindmarch said:
"We are delighted with the level of national interest in Harlow College, we have enjoyed visits from a succession of government and shadow ministers in recent months, and it's a great credit to Harlow College, its students, staff and the town, that David Willetts has officially opened University Centre Harlow."
University Centre Harlow
Professor Michael Thorne, Anglia Ruskin's Vice Chancellor, said:
"University Centre Harlow is part of Anglia Ruskin's major commitment to the development of Harlow. We are working closely with local partners, including industry and commerce, the local hospital and council and especially Harlow College - the number one FE college in the country."
David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: "It's an honour to come and open this fantastic new centre, which will allow two excellent institutions to bring higher education closer to local people. That is in the interests of students and employers, and will boost our future prosperity. I wish every success to those who benefit from this new resource."
The project was part of the national HEFCE programme to raise the skill levels and increase participation by people with little or no experience of higher education, and is one of a range of initiatives to address these priorities. Its distinctiveness lies in making Higher Education (HE) available in areas not already well served with relevant HE.
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