UNIVERSITY leaders and councillors have pledged to improve economic growth and tackle social challenges across Hampshire.
The Civic University Agreement, signed by representatives from Winchester City Council alongside the University of Southampton, Southampton City Council, Eastleigh and Test Valley borough councils and Hampshire County Council, aims to improve the quality of life for people in Southampton and surrounding areas by connecting communities through culture, education and enterprise.
Pledges have been made for collective action on six priority areas, creating more opportunities for education and new skills, reducing inequality, generating jobs and economic growth, sustainability, and investing in arts and culture.
Cllr Martin Tod, leader of Winchester City Council, said: “Winchester School of Art has been in the heart of our city for more than 150 years and the University of Southampton has been with us for nearly 30. We really value the university’s cultural, creative and economic contribution to our city’s life. We are excited by the opportunity presented by the Civic Agreement and the new energy it will bring to the many areas, where we can do more together to benefit the people of our city and district.”
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The main priorities for Winchester included responding to the cost-of-living, moving towards the carbon zero 2030 target, combating the high costs of renting or buying a home, public transport and the provision of safe walking and cycling routes and making sure all voices are heard.
Cllr Philip Bundy, cabinet member for planning at Test Valley Borough Council, said: “We will work closely with the university to highlight the local needs, maximise opportunities to support our communities and enable them to prosper.”
Hampshire County Council leader Cllr Rob Humby said: “In signing up to the agreement on behalf of the county council, I am delighted to formally confirm our commitment to ensuring that Hampshire residents have access to excellent education and training opportunities, to build a future workforce with the necessary skills and capabilities to keep up with changes in business and industry needs.
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“I am particularly pleased that we will work in partnership to this end, as I strongly believe this is the only way to achieve the best that we can. This will ultimately serve to help secure economic and social prosperity in our region.”
The agreement underpins community action to be carried out by the University of Southampton as the second largest employer, after the NHS, in the region.
University of Southampton vice-chancellor Professor Mark Smith said: “We support a huge range of activities in Southampton and Winchester, from our substantial contribution to the arts and culture in the region, to outreach by our academics and support for local groups. Our research, education, alumnus and outlook are global, but we are rooted in our community.”
To read the formal agreement go to docdro.id/nBjvcwF.
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