Any further delays in growing Ulster University’s presence in Derry will represent a “missed opportunity”, the Magee Taskforce has warned.
As it presented its final report and action plan on Monday, chairman Stephen Kelly said the onus was now on the Department of the Economy to match the ambition of the city as it seeks to increase student numbers to 10,000 by 2032.
“It is clear that any further delays in bringing forward the funding for these developments, or in delivering the plans that they support, will result in further missed opportunities for the economy in the north west and across Northern Ireland,” he said.
The action plan will require an injection of funding — mostly from the Executive — of £343m.
This includes £291m for new developments, property purchases, refurbished buildings and public realm works, and £52m for enabling costs on a one-off basis.
There will also be other increasing annual costs, rising from £2.5m this year to an estimated £35.4m in 2032/33.
Accommodating the additional students will require an estimated £38m per year.
The final estimate for the action plan tops £700m, with further commitments from the private sector to provide student accommodation also required.
Auditor KPMG has been engaged to provide an economic impact assessment.
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It estimates an economic return as early as 2029, with a £258m annual return for each year beyond that.
The plan would lead to an estimated 4,600 jobs, more than half in the north west.
“We have been relentless since our establishment in March to deliver an action plan before the end of 2024,” Mr Kelly added.
“Reaching this major milestone is testament to the range of people in this group who have each brought their own expertise and experience to bear on this project.
“We are beginning to reverse decades of neglect and underinvestment.
“An expanded campus at Ulster University’s Magee campus changes the face and the fortunes of Derry, benefits the entire north west and Northern Ireland.
“The expansion of Magee is universally agreed as the most important catalyst for the regeneration of the north west, but does require considerable input from key decision-makers and the prioritising of this project, as is the commitment in the Programme for Government, means it must be resourced and supported at all levels of government.
“These required investments are significant, but in public sector spending terms not undeliverable sums.
“These commitments must be made urgently if this timescale is to be met.
“In all our engagement to date, the taskforce has been assured that such necessary investment will be forthcoming, and in the timescales indicated by our plan.
“A sense of urgency must now accompany the delivery of this plan.”
Economy Minister Conor Murphy said the report could be a “game-changer” for the economy in the north west.
“It will serve as a blueprint for continued collaboration among government, academia, the private sector, and the community and voluntary sector to deliver the 10,000-student target at Ulster University’s Magee campus by 2032,” he said.
“It is a key commitment in the draft Programme for Government. With the support of the Executive and the action plan in place, now is the time to deliver real change.”
The plan sets out detailed steps to achieve this target, including proposals for 18 capital projects involving new teaching blocks, research facilities and private sector-led student accommodation.
“We have established a central office hub for the Magee expansion taskforce team, secured funding for the Shared Island teaching block and sports air dome, and provided funding for an additional 500 student places this academic year,” Mr Murphy added.
“From the next academic year onwards, students at the graduate entry medical school will be able to access a tuition fee loan.
“These are just some of the milestones which lay the foundation for sustained progress.
“We now have a plan to get us to 10,000 students. After that target is reached, the sky is the limit for Derry.”
Ulster University vice chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said: “It is clear that momentum is building as we work with partners to unlock new avenues for growth, including the recent confirmation that medical students in Derry/Londonderry will gain access to tuition fee loans from the next academic year, making study at Ulster University’s graduate entry medical school more financially accessible for students.
“We are completely committed to addressing the challenges and tasks laid out in the final report for growth at our campus in Derry/Londonderry, in line with our pre-existing strategic commitment for better regional balance.”
News Catch Up: Monday 16th December