Neville’s university plan given go-ahead
COUNCIL BACKS SCHEME TO CONVERT FORMER KELLOGG’S SITE
PLANS by Gary Neville and the ‘Class of 92’ to open a university have been approved.
Councillors in Trafford have backed proposals to convert the old Kellogg’s site in Stretford.
The University Academy 92 (UA92), which will offer sports and media courses, is the brainchild of Neville and fellow Reds Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and brother Phil.
It will operate as a branch of Lancaster University and will target students who might not otherwise go into further education – as well as those looking for a ‘broader formative experience.’
Councillor Daniel Bunting said that approving the scheme was a ‘nobrainer.’
“This is going to be a truly excellent facility that will add to the area,” he said.
UA92 is expected to open in time for the 2019/2020 academic year, but will take up space in the building on a phased basis.
Microsoft, one of the partners for the university, is also proposing to take over part of the Talbot Road site. Coun Ejaz Malik said it would be a ‘great opportunity’ to have a university welcoming people from ‘all over the world,’ while Coun Karen Barclay said it was a ‘really exciting proposal.’ Coun Nathan Evans said it was more than just a planning application, commending the ‘vision of Gary Neville and UA92 to actually do this in the first place.’ Not everyone was as happy with the plan, with a number of objections detailed in planning documents. Trafford’s Green Party, which won two council seats at May’s local elections, said members wanted to see the application referred to the secretary of state to ensure an ‘impartial’ assessment. The council is one of the partners involved in the scheme, alongside development giant Bruntwood, Trafford College, Microsoft and the ex-United players.
Announcing the project last year, Gary Neville said: “I have always believed that success is down to more than just having talent and good luck.
“Our aim is that UA92 graduates would leave with an academic qualification, of course, but also with a range of other skills such as how to deal with pressure, understand finance, leadership and presentational skills.” Councillor Daniel Bunting