Work completed on University Centre in Grantham

Work to create a University Centre to deliver higher education and skills training in Grantham is now complete.

Degrees, high-level apprenticeships, diplomas and short courses will be delivered from the new 9,000 square foot building, which sits above the cinema complex on St Peter’s Hill.

It has been developed by InvestSK in partnership with South Kesteven District Council and was funded by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP through the Government's Growth Deal.

The building was fitted out by construction company Lindum and University of Lincoln will deliver the courses.

CEO of InvestSK Steve Bowyer said: “The new University Centre is a fantastic new facility for South Kesteven. It has come about through genuine partnership working between InvestSK, the council, the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, the University of Lincoln and, of course, the great construction work undertaken by Lindum.

“Developing the right skills for the businesses in and around South Kesteven has always been important for the economy, and this even more true now. This centre should play a vital part in our economic recovery across the region.”

Professional business services will also be offered at the University Centre, including start-up advice, growing businesses and business networks, and events and talks will be hosted there.

The Leader of South Kesteven District Council, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said: “We have ambitious plans for the district, its regeneration and growth. Fundamental to those plans is an ability to access higher level education and skills training, to nurture and retain young talent and provide access for businesses to develop the expertise of their workforces.

“We have invested heavily in the heart of Grantham town, notably the Savoy cinema complex, and the fact that our very own University Centre will contribute positively to that is extremely exciting.”

Ruth Carver, Chief Executive of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “The Greater Lincolnshire LEP is delighted to be involved in the creation of the new centre in Grantham.

“Our £2m grant support for the scheme will enable educational opportunities for southern Lincolnshire residents and businesses to higher level skills development in the priority sectors for Lincolnshire.

“We look forward to working with all of the partners in developing a curriculum that is focussed on the needs of the business community."

The University of Lincoln said the centre will provide the right platform for rolling out learning opportunities to enhance the productivity of businesses in South Kesteven.

Dr. Craig Marsh, Pro Vice Chancellor University of Lincoln and Director of the Lincoln International Business School, said: “The university is committed to extending its reach for quality higher education in Greater Lincolnshire, as part of its focus on its civic duty to the county.

“Our first offering rolled out in Grantham in Nov 2019, with an executive programme Developing a Managerial Mindset.

“We would like to bring to the regions those learning opportunities that are most required at this unique time in history, to uplift skills and directly aid employability and productivity.”