Local councils back university transformation

Staffordshire's local authorities have backed a major new expansion of Keele University's Science and Innovation Park.

The expansion plans were first unveiled in 2025, and will see the existing park expand into a neighbouring site, which university bosses say will create 13,000 jobs and contribute £1bn to the local economy.

Work is under way to formalise a partnership between the university and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and Staffordshire County Council.

The group will present a further developed masterplan at this year's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum.

As well as supporting about 13,000 jobs in the local area, the expansion would provide 5,400 additional jobs on site, the university said.

It is estimated that the work will take 20 to 25 years to be fully completed, but preparatory work is already under way, with the first phase of the project due to start in the next two to three years.

"As major employer in the borough and with an international reputation for excellence, the university has a vital role to play in both creating highly skilled jobs and educating the people who will fill them," said Simon McEneny, deputy chief executive of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

"We look forward to working closely with the university on this important project."

Councillor Robin Hall, cabinet member for economy and skills at Staffordshire County Council, said the authority was proud to be an early investor in the plans.

"Developments like this will benefit the entire county through not only the jobs supported during construction, but by cementing Staffordshire's reputation as a place for innovation and collaboration," he said.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added: "It is a great example of partnership work, involving local government, to achieve a common goal, and the Keele Innovation District will have a huge impact on the local and regional economy through high-level skills and job creation."

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