An action plan for the expansion of Ulster University’s campus in Derry to 10,000 students will be a “game changer” for the north west, the Stormont economy minister has said.
Conor Murphy also said the “sky is the limit for Derry” as he gave his reaction to the unveiling of a roadmap for expanding the UU campus.
On Monday, a taskforce set up earlier this year to develop ways to expand the Magee campus, urged the Executive to commit £291 million in capital funding for new developments in a bid to deliver 10,000 students at the Derry campus by 2032.
A report by the taskforce said increasing student numbers will help address regional imbalance and be “transformative” for the north west.
The report said more than 4,600 jobs could be created across Northern Ireland by boosting student numbers in Derry from 6,000 to 10,000, with more than half of the positions in the north west.
It said establishing a 10,000-student university would see the “investment return as soon as 2029 with a £258m annual return on this investment for each year beyond that”.
The taskforce, chaired by Stephen Kelly with vice-chair Nicola Skelly, has worked to develop a comprehensive roadmap for expanding Magee to 10,000 students.
The plan includes proposals for 18 capital projects, such as new teaching blocks, research facilities and private sector-led student accommodation.
It suggests initiatives to “broaden participation and ensure inclusivity” as well as “strengthening partnerships between the university, local communities and industry”.
Mr Kelly said: “We are beginning to reverse decades of neglect and underinvestment.
“An expanded campus at Ulster University’s Magee campus changes the face and the fortunes of Derry, benefits the entire North West and Northern Ireland.”
He said the expansion is “universally agreed as the most important catalyst for the regeneration of the North West, but does require considerable input from key decision-makers and the prioritising of this project”.
Mr Murphy said: “This report is a game changer for economic growth and social transformation across the North West.
“It will serve as a blueprint for continued collaboration among government, academia, the private sector, and the community and voluntary sector, to deliver the 10,000-student target at Ulster University’s Magee campus by 2032.
“It is a key commitment in the draft Programme for Government.
Economy Minister @ConorMurphySF has received the report and action plan from the Ulster University Magee Taskforce
— Economy NI (@Economy_NI) December 16, 2024
➡️Read more:https://t.co/exa8IZGNQa#DeliveringForDerry#UUMagee10000 pic.twitter.com/ZBmPHRmQjv
“With the support of the Executive and the Action Plan in place, now is the time to deliver real change.”
He added: “We now have a plan to get us to 10,000 students. After that target is reached the sky is the limit for Derry.”
UU vice-chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said “it is clear that momentum is building as we work with partners to unlock new avenues for growth”.
He added that UU will continue to work to “successfully enact expansion and stimulate further economic, social, cultural and civic growth in the North West”.
Derry Chamber welcomed the action plan describing it “an incredible boon for the North West’s economy far beyond student numbers”.
