University of Wolverhampton's £250m investment hailed 'huge statement of confidence'

The university wants to boost job opportunities for its students and be a leading light in boosting the Black Country economy.

Money is being spent on a host of building projects – including the £65m Springfield Brewery construction college - as well as big investment in staff and research.

New courses are being introduced, with the university dubbing the huge outlay as a 'once in a lifetime' investment.

Bosses will work closely with Wolverhampton City Council and the Black Country LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership).

And those two organisations have hailed the investment as a massive boost to the area.

Stewart Towe, chair of the Black Country LEP said: "The University of Wolverhampton's £250m investment plan is a vote of confidence in the Black Country's economic future.

"The Black Country LEP looks forward to working in partnership with the university to maximise the growth potential of this investment."

The university currently has 23,000 students - more than ever before.

And its research departments were recently labelled as 'world class'.

Investment is also ongoing in the form of a £10m health college in West Bromwich.

And a £25m science block and £18 business school are nearing completion in Wolverhampton city centre.

Wolverhampton City Council's regeneration boss, Councillor Peter Bilson, warmly welcomed the investment.

He said: "This is a huge statement of confidence in the future of Wolverhampton as a place of learning, training and enterprise and I am delighted at the commitment the university is making to our city.

"It is also great news for the city as a whole and reinforces the strong partnership which has been developed over the years between the university, the city council, local colleges and the business community.

"We look forward to the regeneration and growth this investment will bring to our city, and of course the opportunity it will give local people to develop their skills."

The university will also support new sites for business enterprise and start-ups.

Chiefs want to increase the skill-base in the region, help create jobs and to drive and support economic regeneration.

Recently the university has expanded worldwide and has regional offices in China, Malaysia, Oman, Nigeria and Cyprus, with a campus in Mauritius.

Strong business links have been formed with India, while the university even has its own racing car - a Renault Formula One car - which engineering students prepare for races.

The flagship six-storey business school in Molineux Street is designed to reflect its growing business reputation.