38 WEST LANCS
UNIVERSITY RISING TO LEVELLING UP CHALLENGE
It would make an interesting exam question. What is Edge Hill University’s contribution to the UK economy?
The answer, according to a recent report, is a hugely impressive £175.9m. Nearer to home, the seat of learning on the outskirts of the market town of Ormskirk is also the biggest employer in West Lancashire.
The study by Turley Economics, commissioned by Edge Hill, has shone a light on the impact of the university in a region that the government is targeting in its ‘levelling up’ programme.
The report concludes that through its staff, students and visitors, the university plays a key role in driving economic growth, job creation and ground-breaking research.
Steve Igoe, Edge Hill’s deputy vice-chancellor, says: “The expansion of our campus has helped to fuel economic growth not only in Ormskirk and West Lancashire but at a regional and national level.
“In the current climate it is also important to recognise the livelihoods Edge Hill supports through creating and supporting jobs and businesses.
“This is either through direct employment, the supply chain or through employee and student spending power. The economic and cultural contribution of our university is huge and benefits so many communities.”
The university currently employs 2,025 members of staff, equivalent to 1,691 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. By 2030-31 it is anticipated that it will directly employ an additional 352 FTE workers.
The economic productivity Edge Hill supports a further 1,004 FTE jobs across the UK economy through its multiplier effects – generated by the institution’s spending in its supply chain and through the re-spending of employee salaries.
Edge Hill has a student population of more than 14,600 which also makes a significant contribution to the economy.
This is seen through student spend, which currently stands at £83.8m per year. Also, through activities such as volunteering in the community, student social contributions are estimated at £10.7m.
The deputy vice-chancellor describes the Turley report as: “A clear statement of our intent to continue to actively nurture and develop our work to support the economy in years to come.”
In line with that intent, by 2030-31 it is anticipated that the university will generate economic productivity impact of more than £211m.
He says: “In the last 10 years the university has invested more than £300m expanding and improving its outstanding facilities, student experience and research, while ensuring sustainability is at the heart of its activities.
“From the newly opened medical school to the forthcoming life sciences
building to support the STEM agenda, the university will continue to respond to the needs of the external environment and future employers to support the growth of the economy.”
Edge Hill’s importance to the local economy is also driving investment into the area. Walker & Williams, a Preston-based developer which specialises in contemporary boutique hotels, has brought forward the conversion of a historic magistrates’ court in Ormskirk to create a five-star aparthotel. And it says that the pull of the university played a part in its decision to invest in the town.
Named the Ormskirk Court Hotel, this regeneration project will see the creation of 23 premium apartments, extensive landscaping, and new car park facilities. The ground floor will host a fine dining restaurant called The Alibi, which will be run by the team behind the Michelin Guide- nominated 263 Restaurant in Preston.
Once completed next spring, it is anticipated the Ormskirk Court Hotel, designed by Preston headquartered architecture, design and masterplanning practice FWP, will support 59 new jobs and give a major boost to Ormskirk’s hospitality and accommodation offer.
The work will begin later this year after the developer successfully applied for £1.6m of finance from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Growing Places Fund.
Walker & Williams co-founder Max Walker-Williams says: “We have been busy securing a funding partner for the project to begin and ensuring that the design is the very best it can be with our architect partners FWP.
“Ormskirk is in a fantastic strategic location, sitting between Liverpool, Southport and Preston.
“Although small, it has an affluent and growing population, a forward thinking local authority and huge investment by Edge Hill University.
“Ormskirk is an incredible opportunity for any solid brand offering real value. We are looking forward to seeing Ormskirk Court Hotel open and welcoming restaurant customers and guests to such a historic building.”
The town’s transport links were boosted earlier this year with the roll out of Liverpool City Region’s new publicly-owned trains on the Ormskirk line of the Merseyrail network. The high-tech trains are part of a £500m investment in transport in the city region.
A modern new bus station also opened in the town in March, described as a major landmark in the progress of the £3.4m Ormskirk Eastern Gateway Project.
The project is a partnership between Lancashire County Council, West Lancashire Council and Historic England to upgrade the town centre and is focused on the area around St Helens Road, Moor Street and the bus station.
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