'University challenge' launched

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Universities Secretary John Denham said he wanted to "unlock the talent" of local people and give communities across the country the chance to have their own campus.

Announcing the 'University Challenge' consultation, Mr Denham said that subject to "high quality" bids, he expected the 20 new institutions would be open or approved by 2013. It is hoped they would provide an extra 10,000 student places.

Mr Denham said "increasing numbers" of towns and cities wanted to have a university or provide higher education.

He wanted to increase student numbers to help stimulate and regenerate local economies - but bidding towns would have to show they had local support.

Mr Denham said: "We want to increase these opportunities in more communities which, working with a range of partners, are able to show how a higher education campus can open up new opportunities for students and develop or regenerate the local economy.

"Over the next six years, subject to high-quality bids, we hope to have 20 more institutions which have either opened or have a commitment from Higher Education Funding Council for England."

He went on: "Never have universities and colleges been more important to our country both nationally in ensuring our success on the world stage, and locally in our towns and cities through the creation of jobs and new skills, driving regeneration and enriching cultural life.

"I want to build on the successes of the last few years which have seen new centres of higher education transforming local economies and the lives of local people. Communities should have the chance to show they can make the most of the power of higher education, to help unlock the talent of their local people and help make them better off."

Since 2003, 17 new higher education centres have been opened or had funding committed.