Here’s what university has to offer

What will our new University in Peterborough offer the people of this city? It’s the best question to ask if we want to get this opportunity right. It’s also the question I hear most often.

This week, it was confirmed that our new £30 million University will open in 2022. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment, we had the Minister for Universities for the launch event.

Before and afterwards, the benefits for people in our city have been top of everyone’s agenda.

Of course, it’s not the only question I get asked. There have been plenty of others, like where are all these new students going to live? Why are we losing open space on the embankment? And even, will this mean you will lose your seat should left-wing, Labour-voting students arrive?

My job prospects aren’t what matter. The important thing is bringing more jobs to Peterborough, with better prospects and better pay for those who live here now.

The Minister took us through the figures. Getting the University built will bring 550 jobs during the construction phase. When it opens, over 300 people will be needed in new jobs within the university buildings. Within the first four years, this should rise to 700 people.

But that’s the least of the impact. Our University should create an additional 1,300 indirect jobs by 2026. They think this could rise to a staggering 31,500 new jobs by 2035.

Because this really will be a university like no other. Our new institution will specialise in science, engineering, research and innovation. It will form ambitious partnerships with business. Its curriculum will be designed with our needs in mind.

This is exactly what we need. Peterborough is a working city and our Combined Authority Mayor, James Palmer, is championing an “employment focused” University.

It shouldn’t just train and educate, but drive industry and local jobs. The ‘research super-hub’ is such an exciting part of this project, because it gives a practical spur for innovation-based growth in manufacturing, science and agri-tech.

Many of the university students will be homegrown. When I spoke at the launch, I recalled growing up in Whittlesey and how many of my friends left Peterborough, or didn’t go to university, because they couldn’t study here. Future generations now have this chance.

The University will offer subjects that all our communities value. It may also be possible to include law, accountancy and business, ensuring that other talented youngsters here in Peterborough don’t have to leave.

The Mayor put the idea perfectly: “This is not a university where you go to simply get a degree. This where you will come to get a career.”

It will symbolise the new start for our city, as we put lockdown behind us and begin the task of levelling up. It will be the catalyst for other regeneration. From the city centre to our surrounding towns and villages, everyone should benefit.

We need that imagination and self-belief. We need this investment and opportunity.

This column began with the question that matters, namely what our new University will offer local people. Whenever I’m asked, my answer is “jobs, jobs, jobs”.

I shamelessly stole an advert slogan at the launch, but it has the advantage of being true. The future is bright – the future is Peterborough!