A freshly released report emphasises the pressing need to grow the capacity of Derry’s Magee campus at Ulster University, with a view to accommodating 10,000 students. The interim Magee Taskforce report, unveiled on Wednesday, outlines the steps taken so far towards achieving this goal and suggests that approximately £700 million is necessary to fund new educational facilities, research areas, and student housing.
This independent group was established in March with the responsibility of formulating and supervising a plan of action for the campus enlargement. Both the British and Irish governments, as part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement responsible for reinstating Stormont in 2020, have committed to financially contribute to the Derry campus expansion, targeting 10,000 students.
Presently, Magee, the only Border university in Ireland, has a student population exceeding 5,000. Last year, the Irish government committed €44.5 million to the university through its Shared Island Unit to construct a new teaching and service building for students.
Stephen Kelly, the chair of the taskforce, hailed this progress as a significant stride forward and urged that this momentum be maintained. He stressed the importance of pressing forward, despite any difficulties that may arise, in the wake of five years of stagnation since the pledge was made in the New Decade New Approach agreement.
Projections suggest that the campus will cater to 6,500 students in approximately two years, rising to 7,000 students by 2028. The taskforce’s inaugural report recognised the considerable commitment made by Ulster University, Stormont’s Department for the Economy, and Derry City and Strabane District Council in forming dedicated groups to advance the project. The report also highlighted that a large section of the £700m investment needed has already been secured or pledged – it is estimated that private sector investment could account for up to 40% of this figure, mostly through investment in student housing.
Mr Kelly asserted that the strategy’s successful implementation would require ongoing involvement from both the University and the NI Executive. He further emphasised that any delay would essentially equal a failure to uphold the commitment. It’s crucial for maintaining credibility that it is fulfilled promptly.
A central hindrance to achieving the 10,000-student goal, as cited by the report, is student accommodation. The report underscores this issue as an imminent priority in the upcoming months.
The task force declared that it is now their intention to join forces with the Department for Economy and additional associates to secure extra financial backing and finalise a strategy for delivery within a three month period.
It revealed key expectations of the local council, the government, and Ulster University, which entail contemplation by the Irish Government about supplying additional and continuous funds for Ulster University’s medical school.
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, highlighted that escalating Derry’s student populace is vital for driving the North West’s economic growth.
“We possess the framework for a plan, created by and for the locals, to concretely achieve expansion. The task force has clearly outlined the requirements from different partners, among them my department. We will collaborate to finalise an action plan and advance towards the 10,000 target”, he stated.
Ulster University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew, commended the report but also highlighted that there’s still a significant amount of work to be done.
“The report clearly highlights the obstacles we need to overcome and importantly, outlines the path to overcoming them. It’s inspiring to witness the support for utilising the campus to its full potential, which will, in return, yield various benefits to the region, including economic, social, cultural, and research perks,” he concluded.