Source: www.beds.ac.uk, August 2006 (University of Bedfordshire)

1st August 2006

Celebrations as University of Bedfordshire is Born

Thousands of staff and students from the University of Bedfordshire will be celebrating today as the new institution is officially launched across its sites in Beds and Bucks.

The new university was formed by the £15 million merger of the University of Luton and De Montfort University's Bedford campus. 

Speaking about the merger, Professor Ebdon, said:  "Today is the beginning of a very exciting time for the University of Bedfordshire and the county."

The new university, with a combined student population of 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 unviversity 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 underway.  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 due to open in 2007.  Tens of millions of pounds has already been invested in the Luton campus, including a £5.5m Centre for Media Arts, with a further £25m plus to come.

Local dignitaries from Luton and Bedford will attend 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 regenearation 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."