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Community to help in university plan

People living in Coventry and Warwickshire are being asked for their views on the future of one of the region's biggest success stories - The University of Warwick.

In a special edition of its CommUnity newsletter issued this week the university has outlined its development plans for the next 15 years, and asked the local community to give their views.

Vice-Chancellor David VandeLinde said: "As the University continues to develop it is important that our neighbours, local councillors and the wider community are consulted in the planning process.

"We already play a major role in the economic, social and cultural life of Coventry and Warwickshire, and further development of the university can only enhance that role, but this must be sustainable growth, with due regard paid to its environmental impacts."

The University plans a modest increase in student numbers, as well doubling its research income by 2020.

David VandeLinde said: "Research is the lifeblood of a university; it informs the teaching, attracts staff and students and acts as a catalyst for increased economic activity in the local area."

The 292 hectare campus was given to the university by Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council to develop in the 1960s.

More than 4,000 people now work at the university, making it one of the top five employers in the area. Today, it has an international reputation, with its research rated amongst the best in the UK.

Now the university is working with the local authorities to produce a Masterplan which will sketch out in broad terms the developments likely to take place over the next 15 years.

More than 5000 CommUnity Newsletters have been sent to local residents and other interested parties, and information has also been made available at the Warwick University website - www2.warwick.ac.uk/about/2020

In addition, the University is running a programme of drop-in sessions for local people at the Warwick Arts Centre on Tuesday 29 November from 3.30pm to 7.30pm, as well as Wednesday 30 November and Thursday 1 December from 3pm to 6.30pm.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Bob Wilson, Director of Estates, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL
Telephone: 024 7652 3433 or email: r.b.wilson@warwick.ac.uk


Richard Fern, Press Officer, Communications Office, University House, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 8UW

REF: PR82 RWF 24 Nov 2005 024 7657 4255 email: r.w.fern@warwick.ac.uk