University staff in town campus talks
Talks are under way to bring a university campus to Shropshire, with three members of Chester University staff working on the project, it was revealed today.
They are working on the scheme, dubbed "project Darwin", from Rowley's House in Shrewsbury, the 16th century half timbered building in the town centre which was until last month the home of Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.
It is thought they are looking at both Rowley's House and the site of the former Shelton Hospital in Bicton Heath, which has stood derelict for over a year, as possible sites for a higher eduction facility.
Shrewsbury Museum has been moved into the revamped Music Hall, leaving the future of Rowley's House open to debate..
Councillor Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, said: "The University of Chester is working in partnership with us to support an evaluation of the potential for a higher education facility in the county.
"Together with the University of Chester we are looking at the options, including the type of facility to meet Shropshire's future needs, and considering how best to take advantage of the opportunities available.
"The term 'Project Darwin' is an operational title for this work and has been used in preliminary discussions to date.
"To enable the necessary liaison with businesses, education providers and community groups as this work continues, we have made office space available at the heart of Shrewsbury town centre in Rowley's House. Three staff from the university are currently based there for up to three days a week."
Councillor Barrow said further discussions would be taking place with all key parties to fully explore the possibilities.
But John Long, from the Friends of Rowley's House, said he did not want to see a university there.
He said: "We are hoping to maintain the building for public use, and a being part of a university is not public use, it is just for the use of the students.
"We a currently developing a working group to put forward a number of possibilities for Rowley's House, which is really a jewel in Shrewsbury's crown."
