22nd May 2012
15m Merger - The new University of Bedfordshire
7th Aug 2006
£15m merger deal gets off to a flying start... This week’s celebrations to mark the launch of the University of Bedfordshire saw more than 600 members of staff, students and guests gather to hear the Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon, outline the way forward for the new institution.
Professor Ebdon spoke to those who had gathered at its hospital sites in High Wycombe and Aylesbury, as well as its campuses in Luton and Bedford, where he highlighted plans for the new institution, which was formed following a £15m merger deal between the University of Luton and De Montfort’s Bedford campus.
“It was extremely pleasing to see so many smiling faces at Tuesday’s launches,” said Professor Ebdon. “We couldn’t have asked for a better turn-out and there was a real air of excitement.”
Accompanied by local dignitaries, Professor Ebdon spoke about the £34m investment programme currently underway at the Bedford campus, the proposed £25m investment at Luton, and plans to work more closely with partners and businesses across the region to ensure students graduate with the skills required by employers.
Professor Ebdon added: “This is the single-biggest development in Bedfordshire for some time in terms of economic development. The 17,000 students who will be studying at the new University will generate millions of pounds to the local economy. That’s good news for many such as retailers, restaurant owners, the entertainment industry and of course the housing market.”
The new logo and signage, which features abstract letter forms of the University’s initials, were unveiled at each campus before the official celebratory receptions got underway.
