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Chester University creates 2,000 jobs in Shell deal

The University of Chester has signed a deal with oil giant Shell, with the potential to create 2,000 jobs over the next five years.

Shell Technology Centre in Thornton will be acquired by the University in a deal it called “one of the biggest public/private sector collaborations seen in recent years.”

Together the two bodies hope to further innovation and research at the site, where a new engineering and technology campus will be established.

The University also said this partnership will provide multiple economic benefits with investment from government funding, ongoing revenue brought in from 500 additional student places, rental income and consultancy fees brought in by research projects.

Furthermore, SMEs and startups will have the option of moving into one of 22 incubator sites at the centre, which will also allow access to industry expertise and facilities at the University site.

Professor Tim Wheeler, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “The University of Chester has long been synonymous with ensuring that Cheshire West and Chester is ‘open for business,’ and our commitment at Thornton could bring up to 2,000 jobs to Ellesmere Port over the next five years, together with perpetuating Shell’s distinguished reputation.

“Thornton, with 1,100,000 square feet of space in 48 buildings, is the most substantial acquisition in the University’s history, as the institution enters its 175th year and the next phase in its evolution, which should see it sitting more prominently on the international stage – and taking Cheshire West and Chester with it.

“The Engineering and Technology agenda is very much a growth area for the University and the region and will complement both their existing strengths.

“It is also a national priority in terms both of education and training, innovation and business, so understandably, Thornton is already attracting significant interest.

The University, as a registered charity, will legally own the 66-acre site through a gifting agreement with Shell, and will take occupancy at the site over the next 18 months.

Chairman at Shell UK, Ed Daniels, commented: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the University of Chester which will ensure that innovation and technology will remain a key contributor to the local and regional economy and community and which builds on Shell’s long history of manufacturing and technical innovation in the region.

“The University has formed some very exciting and robust plans for the development of the site and we wish them the very best in bringing these to fruition”

Chester University currently provides over £298m to the North West economy and has the potential to capture an initial £35.8m in capital funding to support the Thornton site’s future.

The site will be developed into a campus that integrates education and industry, allowing students direct access to potential future employers.

The deal received a significant amount of backing from the Department for Business, Skills and Innovation, as well as the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE); Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Andrew Miller and Chester MP Stephen Mosley; and the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.

David Willetts, Universities and Science Minister, commented: “This is an exciting development for the University of Chester and the North West of England.

“Not only has the site got the potential to generate new jobs, it will also contribute to the UK’s growing technology sector, building links between the university and industry.

“In turn that will give a real boost to economic growth and keep the UK at the front of the global race for technology and innovation.”

Adding to his comments, Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Andrew Miller, who is also chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, said: “Thornton has the potential to be a world class chemical innovation centre in the high tech engineering sectors.

“This is a model that transcends party politics, and the partnership between industry, trade bodies and the University will ensure that the site delivers its true potential.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .