Demand for university places at Newport is increasing

A developer is proposing to build a huge new campus for University of Wales, Newport, which, it says, could bring thousands of new jobs.

The new one-site university would be on 420 acres of land at Caerleon Park, two miles from Newport city centre.

However, the university has insisted it has not ruled out another option, which involves developing a city centre campus.

Developer Liberty Properties says the new Caerleon development would also include a 50-acre, fully-integrated research based business park, bringing the prospect of thousands of new jobs.

The university is set to expand its student numbers over the next few years Dr Peter Noyes, deputy vice-chancellor

It says similar projects have already benefited university towns like Warwick and Guildford.

The proposed project, University Park Newport, is being led by the company's development manager and ex-Wales rugby international Scott Gibbs.

However, the proposal would appear to clash with the plan developed by Newport Unlimited - the city's official regeneration body - which has proposed moving part of the university into the town centre itself.

The University of Wales, Newport, has been looking to redevelop its facilities for some time.

It had been working on a city centre campus project for two years, but was recently approached by the Caerleon Park Consortium with the Caerleon Park Campus proposal.

'Role to play'

Dr Peter Noyes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor said both proposals were now being considered.

"It is well-recognised that universities have a role to play in urban regeneration, and we will have a major part to play in Newport's development," he said.

"In addition to this, the university is set to expand its student numbers over the next few years.

"These two proposals are being developed at a time when the popularity of the university is increasing.

"We are keen to examine both proposals as they both offer different, but significant future advantages for the university, its students and Newport."

A spokesman for Liberty said : "University Park Newport is an opportunity for not only Newport, but Wales to take the ultimate step towards private and academic collaboration leading to economic regeneration.

"This is a very real opportunity to create not just some of the best higher education facilities in Wales, but a best practice model for the integration of academic research and private sector business growth."