Chamber urges 'University City' pledge from parties

EXPANDING Magee and making Londonderry into a full "University City" is the number one economic priority for the North West, according to the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is giving its full backing to the U4D - University for Derry - lobby group which is seeking the substantial expansion of Magee.

The Chamber of Commerce says it wants to see 10,000 full time students at Magee, the regeneration of Strand Road and the riverside, more Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and creative industries subjects, greater civic involvement in Magee and the

creation of a medical school at Altnagelvin.

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The Chamber is asking all political parties and candidates to declare in the General Election in support of these objectives.

Jim Sammon, President of the Chamber, said: “We congratulate U4D in taking the lead in calling for the expansion of the university in Derry-Londonderry.

“It has helped reshape the political debate and generated a wide consensus behind the proposals for a substantial expansion of the university here. We share the vision that has been put forward by U4D and we believe that making Derry-Londonderry a true 'University City' is the single most important step to improve the economy of the city, creating jobs and wealth.

“We are hoping that every single political party in Northern Ireland and every single General Election candidate in the North West will back these calls and help make them a reality within a decade. U4D believes that university expansion could generate about 200m a year for the city - that is an economic benefit that would be magnificent and is desperately needed.”

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Sinead McLaughlin, chief executive of the Chamber, said: “The Chamber is putting on the record our support, and that of our members, for U4D. Expanding the university, its range of courses and making its presence felt literally right in the very centre of the city is of immense importance for the wellbeing of this city, for our members and for the population as a whole.

“There are two very exciting proposals on the table to drive the city forward - City of Culture and the university expansion. These proposals complement each other - universities are central to culture. If Derry can both become City of Culture and a full 'University City' then we can achieve what we all want - a successful and prosperous economy.”

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