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Around 100 people attended the ceremony which included the Mayor and Mayoress, local MP’s, College Governors and members of the University of Huddersfield. As well as staff who will be transferring to the University Centre Barnsley from the College.
After officially opening the iron gates at the front of the historic Church Street building, Mr Blunkett unveiled a plaque and went on to give a humorous and informal speech before meeting guests at a champagne buffet. The current Work and Pensions Secretary spent time with many of the people who made this day possible including the College’s Public Services students who did a great job at handling guests and members of the public.
Pro-Vice Chancellor from the University of Huddersfield, Mr Tim Boatswain also delivered a speech which focused upon the positive impact the University Centre will have upon the towns economy.
The College and the University of Huddersfield recently received the green-light from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to go ahead with the first phase of a 10-year project which has £8million invested.
The scheme is set to increase the number of students in university education and will begin in August with this dedicated building offering University of Huddersfield degrees. The University of Huddersfield will transfer existing Higher Education courses from Barnsley College and expand the curriculum.
Joe West, Principal of Barnsley College states: ‘We are delighted with this development which builds upon much hard work in Barnsley and by College staff over a number of years, and which should provide much greater opportunity for local people to benefit from higher education. Whilst the College offers a number of degree courses, we felt that only a university could provide the expertise and resources needed to have a major impact. Huddersfield’s record in widening participation and working with us make them the ideal partner.’
In the past members of the Barnsley community may have felt that, due to social, cultural and financial reasons Higher Education was beyond their reach. The aim of the University Centre is to minimise these issues and give opportunities to all. Students are able to study on full and part-time courses across a variety of levels from HNC’s to Degrees, in a wide range of subjects from Business to Music, within easy reach of home and work.
The development of a University Centre in Barnsley will open up opportunities for more people to have a university education and gain access to a broader range of careers.
