Keele University has joined forces with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to deliver two new regeneration projects to benefit the local area.
The two projects, called FLOURISH and Moving Ahead, have been funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – a £2.6 billion UK Government pot which will be used for local investment.
The Borough Council secured an allocation of the UKSPF funding and Keele successfully bid for a share of this for the projects.
FLOURISH will make use of student and graduate talent for the benefit of Newcastle-under-Lyme by delivering innovation and transformation projects with local SMEs, community groups, and not-for profit organisations.
It will see 60 projects delivered across the themes of Digital inclusion, Society and Economy; Sustainability and Carbon Literacy; SME Innovation; Culture and Creativity; and Entrepreneurship, many of which will be run through the University’s new town centre home, Keele in Town.
Moving Ahead, will enable Keele to work with a group of innovation-ready businesses to develop detailed, fundable proposals for intensive Research Development and Innovation projects.
The project will also promote networking and collaboration through the creation of a broader Newcastle-under-Lyme Innovation Network, bringing together businesses and partners across sectors to share knowledge, expertise and resources, and stimulate innovation and growth.
Ann Pittard, Director of Engagement and Partnerships at Keele University, pictured above, said: “We are committed to working with the Borough Council to support the vitality of the town centre, the growth of high value jobs, the area’s environmental sustainability and residents’ quality of life.
“These projects are a valuable addition to Keele’s already strong partnership with the Borough Council, local businesses and communities.”
A spokesman for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council added: “Keele is a world-class university on our doorstep, and we are delighted it can share the expertise, knowledge and vitality of staff and students with the wider community in projects and partnerships that benefit everyone.”
Keele has positioned itself as a significant contributor to local economic development and prosperity.
Earlier this year Daily Focus reported that research had found that Keele University contributes around half a billion pounds in gross value added (GVA) to the West Midlands economy each year.
