Harper Adams University move hailed as a boost for Newport's economy
Newport's economy could be in line for a seven-figure boost after Harper Adams became Shropshire's first full university.
The institution, in the neighbouring village of Edgmond, was celebrating this week after the Privy Council confirmed the new title. And new vice-chancellor of Harper Adams, Dr David Llewellyn, said it could mean more cash spilling into Newport and surrounding areas.
According to a report by Oxford Economics, the university already contributes nearly £40 million to the UK economy each year – and £28.5m of that stays within Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
Dr Llewellyn, who has changed his job title from principal, said: "We're not seeking rapid growth in terms of student numbers.
"But we already contribute something like £40m a year into the economy. If we are able to grow our research base and add the odd course here and there, that will also have a major impact on the local economy."
Harper Adams, which specialises in agricultural studies, has about 4,500 students and supports around 1,290 jobs.
Patrick Beech, the chairman of Newport & District Chamber of Commerce, said: "Harper Adams is a great asset to Newport. This means we can now call Newport a university town. People complain about the students sometimes, but they to bring in a lot of money. A lot of them come to live in Newport eventually."
The chairman of Edgmond Parish Council, Councillor Gwyn Jones, said he was delighted. "Harper Adams already provides employment for a lot of people in Edgmond."
The move came after the Government lifted red tape barring smaller institutions from being awarded the title of 'university'.
Roger Mercer, chairman of governors at Harper Adams, said: "I think the award of university title is really significant for everybody, the staff, the students and the university itself, and everybody associated with it."
