University closures 'unsettling and worrying'

A union representative at the University of Wolverhampton has said the announcement of cuts marks an "unsettling and worrying" time.

The university has announced plans to close its Telford campus, its School of Art building in Wolverhampton, and the sports hall at its city campus.

Catherine Lamond, chair of the UCU branch at the university, told the BBC that people were feeling "a bit concerned really about what all the changes are going to mean".

The university has said its estate is too large causing £6m a year in extra cost.

Dr Lamond described the School of Art building as a "real local landmark" that people were very sad at losing.

"The School of Art has had fantastic students who have gone on to international success and who have talked very fondly about the school," she said.

"So it'll be a sad day when it does start being knocked down."

The UCU branch chair also said the demolition would be a huge undertaking that would cause disruption due to its proximity to a junction on the ring road.

In 2022, a slew of courses within the school of arts closed due to a financial deficit at the university, but "lots of arts courses" were still being taught inside the building, she added.

"We know things have to change, the university has too much estate," Dr Lamond said.

"We know we can't say don't change anything, but it's disappointing it's that building, with so much history. It's a landmark."

Regarding the planned closure of the Telford campus, Dr Lamond said staff and students did not know what was going to happen next.

"Lots of things are up in the air with the Telford campus," she told the BBC.

"It's a big step to close another university campus. Students and staff know they have to move, but it's disappointing that there's been no consultation."

She said some students and staff were concerned about how they would travel to the campuses in Wolverhampton or Walsall and what transportation and accommodation arrangements would be made for them.

Dr Lamond said the university had "reassured" them that it was not getting rid of staff.

The university's estates masterplan also involves moving professional services staff - departments such as HR, IT, and finance - from their respective buildings into Wolverhampton's Civic Centre.

Dr Lamond said union members were concerned this could become "an unpleasant environment like a huge call centre", but that people did not know the details of the move.

In reaction to the overall plan, Dr Lamond said "big headline statements" had been given, but without a lack of detail and with "no engagement" with staff and students about the plans.

The University of Wolverhampton said it would not be providing further comments but that it was "actively engaging with our staff and students".

In the original statement about the masterplan, the university said: "Our plan will deliver a bold and transformative vision creating vibrant, connected, high-quality campuses and ensuring the financial sustainability of the university.

"Our estate is too large. It is over-provisioned by 30% equating to an annual operating cost of £6m per annum.

"Releasing this resource will enable the university to invest in key strategic areas that will improve the student experience, protect jobs, enhance staff welfare and deliver growth."

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