Keele University is moving onto the high street – in a new town centre development where businesses, residents and community groups can tap into its wealth of expertise.
The Keele in Town initiative will see an empty 19th century building in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre transformed into a mixed-use facility.
The building – formerly home to an Indian restaurant – will become a space for Staffordshire businesses and non-profit organisations, along with areas for Keele students and staff to meet, study and connect with the community.
The three-storey building, located on Ironmarket, will be kitted out with modern working and meeting spaces, offering digital connectivity to the community, and helping to drive productivity and boost skill levels in the area.
A planning application for the development, which also includes a sustainably sourced eatery, has been submitted to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.
The project is being funded by money from the Newcastle Town Deal – a successful bid by partners including the University and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to central Government for funding in Newcastle and Kidsgrove.
The aim of the funding is to improve residents’ quality of life and boost economic regeneration.
Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: “We are delighted to announce Keele in Town – an exciting new chapter in the history of Keele University.
“In collaboration with the borough council, we’re transforming an empty building in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre into a hub of learning and a place for people to connect with Keele.
“Located on the busy Ironmarket, our first-ever facility in the town centre will offer training and advice to the local community, giving them direct access to the vast breadth of expertise at Keele. This will be a real gateway and connection between Keele and local residents and businesses.”
It is expected the development will be ready to open during the 2024/25 academic year.
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said he was delighted that the successful Newcastle Town Deal funding bid was driving the project and bringing a Keele University presence in the heart of the town.
He said: “We won the Town Deal funding because we were clear that we wanted to help our communities by providing the tools and infrastructure to create economic and social opportunities for residents and improve the quality of life.
“We also want to widen the choice and range of activities in the town centre to encourage more people to visit and stay for longer.
“This innovative commitment by Keele University to work with businesses and residents with digital training and advice is a perfect example of how these ideas can be brought together.”
