Magee College
A Belfast-based accountancy firm has been appointed to undertake the “outline business case” for the expansion of the Derry campus of the University of Ulster.
RSM McClure Watters will begin working on the outline business at the end of this month with a draft report expected by the end of June next.
Led by Derry City Council, the University of Ulster and their partners Ilex and U4D, the business case (including full economic appraisal) will assess the need for increased provision at Magee to serve 9,400 full-time equivalent (FTE) students as identified by the One Plan.
The final report will be presented to the city’s Strategy Board in September 2014, after which it will be submitted by the University to the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL).
Richard Barnett, vice chancellor of the University of Ulster, said the “outline business case” was an “important piece of work.”
Richard Barnett.
He added: “It will form the basis of a united bid from the city to the Stormont Executive for the further expansion of the University.”
Making the announcement, Mayor Martin Reilly said higher education was a “vital component” of the One Plan and the appointment of RSM McClure Watters was a “significant step” towards city regeneration.
He added: “The expansion of the University has considerable potential to make a significant catalytic impact on the local economy in terms of skills and jobs.”
Mayor Reilly concluded: “On behalf of the Strategy Board, I look forward to receiving the draft report in June.”
