Leading figures from the further and higher education sectors came together at a Downtown in Business event to explore how colleges and universities can play an increasingly important role in driving economic growth, supporting regeneration and shaping the future of our towns and cities.
The discussion, Beyond the Classroom: The Future of College Estates, Skills and Placemaking, brought together Gill Banks from Wirral Metropolitan College, Ruth Slater from Wrexham Business School, Elaine Bowker from The City of Liverpool College and Claire Twaites from the University of Lancashire.
With the education sector facing mounting financial pressures, ageing infrastructure and changing demands from students and employers, the event explored the opportunities and challenges associated with developing education estates that are fit for the future.
A central theme was the need to recognise colleges and universities as much more than education providers. As major employers, significant property occupiers and important contributors to local economies, these institutions have the potential to act as powerful catalysts for regeneration, investment and placemaking.
Investing in the Future
The financial sustainability of education estates was a major focus of the conversation, with consideration given to the challenges of securing capital investment, maintaining ageing buildings and prioritising improvements against a backdrop of constrained budgets.
The discussion explored how stronger partnerships between education providers, local authorities, developers and businesses could help unlock investment opportunities and deliver facilities that support both educational ambitions and wider economic priorities.
There was also a focus on the importance of long-term masterplanning and moving beyond traditional campus models towards more flexible, integrated environments that connect education with commercial activity and surrounding communities.
Connecting Education with the Economy
Another important area of discussion was the relationship between education estates and the changing skills requirements of the economy.
With sectors such as clean energy, digital technology and advanced manufacturing continuing to evolve, colleges and universities face increasing pressure to ensure their facilities and teaching environments reflect the realities of modern workplaces.
The conversation considered how closer collaboration with employers could support investment in specialist equipment, innovative learning spaces and training programmes that respond directly to regional economic priorities.
Creating Places for People
The future student experience was also central to the debate, particularly the need to create campuses that are inclusive, accessible and welcoming.
The discussion examined the importance of social spaces, informal learning environments and facilities that support student wellbeing, alongside opportunities to make education buildings more accessible to the wider community.
The potential for greater use of college and university facilities during evenings, weekends and holiday periods also formed part of the conversation, raising questions about how institutions can maximise the value of their physical assets while maintaining appropriate security and safeguarding arrangements.
A Greater Role in Regeneration
Underpinning the event was the wider question of how education institutions can contribute more directly to the regeneration of towns and cities.
Rather than viewing colleges and universities as standalone campuses, the discussion considered the benefits of integrating education into wider regeneration strategies, creating opportunities for shared facilities, commercial partnerships and stronger connections with local communities.
For the property and development sector, this presents significant opportunities to work more closely with education leaders in delivering projects that combine educational excellence with economic and social value.
Downtown in Business: Collaboration is Crucial
Commenting on the event, Downtown in Business Managing Director Chris McKenna said:
“The discussion highlighted just how important our colleges and universities are to the future economic success of our towns and cities. They are not simply education providers; they are major economic assets, employers and partners in regeneration.
“At a time when funding remains challenging and the demands on education institutions continue to grow, it is more important than ever that we encourage genuine collaboration between the education sector, business, developers and the public sector.
“There are some fantastic opportunities to think differently about how we invest in and use our education estates, ensuring they deliver for students, employers and the wider community.
“I’d like to thank Gill, Ruth, Elaine and Claire for sharing their insights and contributing to such an engaging and thought-provoking discussion. I’d also like to extend a special thank you to our event sponsors, Krol Corlett, for their support in helping us bring these important conversations together.”
