Newi will be university by end of summer

May 6 2008 by Steve Bagnall, Daily Post

A NORTH Wales college could become a university up to six months earlier than expected, after a 120-year wait.

Principal and chief executive of Newi College, Wrexham, Prof Michael Scott is hopeful the college will gain university status by the summer.

It was originally hoped the college would be given its own degree confirming powers by the end of the year.

But Prof Scott believes the honour could be bestowed on the institute much earlier.

And as excitement builds to the momentous occasion, the Newi principal spelled out just what it would mean.

Following a rigorous assessment lasting two years the Welsh Assembly Government has supported Newi to become a university.

The college is now waiting for the Privy Council, an institute which has existed for 1,000 years, to give its stamp approval.

Prof Scott, who has extensive experience getting college’s upgraded to university status in Sunderland and Leicester, has headed the latest push for university status.

“We are hopeful that it will be by the summer,” he said “We will then be allowed to award our own degrees and develop as we wish our research profile.

“It will give us the autonomy of a university. It also gives you a respectability. University is a term not only used across the nation but across the world.

“When it happens we will be the youngest member of that group. Wrexham wanted a university back in 1887, but it went to Bangor.

“As far as Wrexham is concerned it is finally getting a university here, but its not going to be a university for Wrexham, it is going to be a university for the whole of North east Wales and for the economy. It means a parity of esteem. Students will be far more attracted to come here and it means a flexibility in terms of the kind of courses we can offer.”

Last year, Newi unveiled plans for an £8m development including a £3m conference and performing arts centre.

And Prof Scott cleared up any confusion over Newi’s part in the development of Wrexham FC’s Racecourse ground.

Talks are ongoing to establish a new halls of residence of between 250-500 rooms which would help secure the financial future of the club.

The latest plans were deferred by Wrexham County Borough Council on Monday because of a lack of parking provision.

“It is part and parcel of the stadium development,” said Prof Scott. “There has never been any problems in principle about the development of the halls of residence.

“The discussion we might be having with the football club is all about what can be offered to us which gives the right image to the town and the university.”

Prof Scott added: “One of the biggest challenges is to establish ourselves as a Wales university that is proud of the fact that it is in Wales and links the word quality with Wales.”