City council joins push to create 'Newport Knowledge Quarter'

Council Leader Debbie Wilcox today signed a memorandum of co-operation at a ceremony in Newport’s Civic Centre today to confirm the council's joining the scheme.

The plan could see a "new Further Education development" for Coleg Gwent on the University of South Wales’ Newport city campus and creation of shared facilities to enhance learning and progression to university study.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the council said they wanted to "create a unique learning environment in the heart of the city centre for enhancing academic and vocational skills, and expanding future opportunities."

Cllr Wilcox said: “The Newport Knowledge Quarter really matters: it means the University is committing to the city centre and wants to put its money where its mouth is, while the potential of bringing our FE college next to the University is huge. It’s about showing students from every background that further education and university is for people like them.

“People talk consistently about a knowledge economy, but as the Welsh Local Government Association’s skills spokesperson and the skills lead member for the Cardiff City Region, I often point out that it’s impossible to build an economy on ignorance. The partners’ ambition is huge, and this will be a catalyst for major positive change. The Knowledge Quarter deserves the support of everyone who cares about Newport's future.”

The agreement includes the aim that the Newport Knowledge Quarter will act as a beacon to lift educational aspiration, encouraging further and higher education participation in Newport and across South East Wales. It is also hoped that it will maximise the contribution that further and higher education growth in Newport can make to the local economy, through prioritising the employability of graduates and increasing the pool of higher skilled labour.

Cllr Wilcox was joined as a co-signatory by the Vice Chancellor of the University of South Wales, Professor Julie Lydon, and Principal of Coleg Gwent, Guy Lacey.

Professor Lydon said: “We’re delighted that the city’s civic leadership is joining forces with the University and Coleg Gwent to develop innovative and creative ways of delivering education and training for people in Gwent in a way that recognises the specific character of local business and the diverse needs of our local communities.”

Mr Lacey added: “This is another important step in working together to ensure that further and higher education provision meets the skills and developmental needs of employers and other agencies who are engaged in the regeneration of Newport.”