Shailesh Vara MP today met with Professor Ross Renton, Principal of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Peterborough.
ARU Peterborough is currently under construction on the Embankment, close to the City Centre and it is aiming to open its doors to students later this year in September.
Mr Vara and Professor Renton discussed a variety of issues, including progress of the construction works, funding and working with local businesses and the community.
The campus has been developed in partnership with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Peterborough City Council and Anglia Ruskin University. The University will offer state-of-the-art facilities to local students, as well as bringing significant investment to the area. The University will also offer online courses and company based learning through local outreach centres.
Following the visit Mr Vara said:
“I had a very good meeting with Professor Renton during which we discussed a number of issues. The University will provide the students with a number of educational pathways and it has huge potential for the future.
“It will be playing a crucial role in the future of Peterborough and our regional and I look forward to continuing to work with Professor Renton as we move forward.”
Professor Renton added:
“It was a pleasure to meet Mr Vara and have the opportunity to discuss the range of employment-focused courses we are co-creating with over 170 local employers to enable students to access rewarding high-skilled jobs across the region, including in Mr Vara’s North West Cambridgeshire constituency.
“We also talked about the significant opportunities ARU Peterborough has to collaborate with businesses and other organisations by developing research and innovation links between the university and industry.
“I was delighted to be able to talk with him about the fabulous new facilities that are taking shape, which will have a transformative impact on both the city and the region. I was also able to share with him that our builders, Bowker and Kirkland, are confident the building work is on track for opening, including a series of events over the summer”
Photo: Professor Renton and Shailesh Vara MP.