Samantha Dixon, MP for Chester North and Neston, has welcomed a £2,498,791 investment into the University of Chester by the Labour government.
The investment comes from the Strategic Priorities Grant, which provides universities and colleges with funding for new facilities and better equipment for courses in government priority subjects such as manufacturing and engineering.
As a result, young people in Chester North and Neston will get access to world-class facilities to boost skills in priority sectors thanks to the cash injection that will help meet the skills needs in priority growth sectors. Examples of successful projects across the country include major upgrades to engineering, digital and creative facilities.
Successful bids had to demonstrate how they will support Labour’s industrial strategy and priority sectors for growth, or meet the needs of local employers and regional economies. The successful bids also had to offer excellent value for money, ensuring every pound of taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.
Together, the selected projects will strengthen technical education, boost regional skills pipelines, and support growth in priority sectors across the UK.
The University of Chester is one of 60 successful bidders and intends to use the investment to enhance its business, finance, and digital education through the creation of a FinTech Simulation Lab, refurbishment of teaching spaces including development of an exterior auditorium for teaching purposes.
The FinTech Lab will double existing capacity, equipping it with advanced consoles and new equipment to reflect future workplace environments. At its Exton Park site, the top floor of the Binks building will be converted into four flexible seminar rooms to support active learning and accommodate up to 240 students. Additionally, a new outdoor auditorium with tiered seating and an interactive screen will provide a non-traditional learning space to support different ways of accessing teaching and learning.
These developments aim to address the growing demand for AI, FinTech, and transferable skills, aligning with the Industrial Strategy, and the Cheshire and Warrington LSIP priorities. All facilities are scheduled for completion by March 2026.
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:
“This Government is committed to restoring colleges and universities as engines of opportunity and growth up and down the country.
“This cash boost from Government ensures young people are using the most up-to-date tech and facilities, helping them to secure a future in the well-paying, highly-skilled jobs that are crucial for our Plan for Change.
“It will help build towards the Prime Minister’s target of two thirds of young people taking a gold standard apprenticeship or heading to university by the age of 25 – driving prosperity for families in every town and city.”
MP for Chester North and Neston, Samantha Dixon said:
“Huge congratulations to the University of Chester on their successful bid, which will make such a difference in our community.
“Labour has made landmark changes to colleges and universities to help young people get the skills they need to confidently enter the world of work. This investment builds on those changes and will be really welcome news for young people across our local area and beyond.
“This is national renewal right on our doorstep – unlocking opportunity for our young people and driving growth for our country.”