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31 Jul 2006 17:58:40
Thousands of staff and students from the University of Bedfordshire will be celebrating today (1 August 2006) as the new institution is officially launched across its sites in Beds and Bucks.
The new University was formed by the merger of the University of Luton and De Montfort University's Bedford campus. The name was chosen by staff, students and stakeholders following extensive consultation earlier this year.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon, will embark on a whistle-stop tour to toast the new institution with staff and students, and to unveil the new University logo and signage at its hospital sites in High Wycombe and Aylesbury, before visiting the Luton and Bedford campuses.
Speaking about the merger, Professor Ebdon, said: “Today is the beginning of a very exciting time for the University of Bedfordshire and for the county.”
The new University, with a combined student population of around 17,000, will become the largest provider of undergraduate and postgraduate education in Bedfordshire, and will work with businesses across the region to address their employment needs. It will play a key role in the economic development of the county, which is undergoing a £3.2 billion investment programme.
Professor Ebdon continued: “Each year, the University contributes an estimated £150m to the local economy. This is set to increase to £200m per annum now that we have merged with Bedford.”
The redevelopment of the Bedford Polhill campus is already under way. The £34m investment programme will include £8m state-of-the-art sports science labs, a new 280-seat theatre and a £20m en-suite halls of residence, including more than 500 beds, due to open in summer 2007. Tens of millions of pounds have already been invested in the Luton campus, including a £5.5m Centre for Media Arts, with a further £25m plus to come.
The University will build on the strengths of its campuses, in particular in sport, business, education and health. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEfCE) has already pledged £2m to help with the merger, and the Training and Development Agency (TDA) has given the green light for teacher training to be delivered at the institution.
The Vice Chancellor will unveil the new University logo at each site, which features abstract letter forms of the University's initials.
"The new logo symbolises new possibilities, new beginnings and new futures and conveys the caring, supporting environment of the new institution,” said Professor Ebdon. “We aim to enable people, whatever their circumstances in life, to open up new possibilities and achieve goals.”
Local dignitaries from Luton and Bedford will attend the launches, including the Mayor of Luton, Cllr Julian Wates. He said: “From the Council's point of view, the new University is key to the regeneration and economic prosperity of the town. With top local employers hungry for graduates to employ, and £4 billion extra investment planned for Luton within the next five years, both the University and the town are clearly going places.”
Latest news» 2006» Aug» Cross-county celebrations as University of Bedfordshire is born
