UU Magee Taskforce - meeting minutes 25 February 2025

Agenda

1. Welcome
2. Update from KPMG
3. Programme Business Case
4. Conflict of Interest
5. Minutes from last meeting
6. Action Plan Launch
7. Residents’ Engagement event
8. Progress report from DFE
9. Student Accommodation
10. Future work plan & Engagement
11. Any other business
12. Date of next meeting
 

In attendance
 

Name	Role
Stephen Kelly(Chair) (SK)	CEO, Manufacturing NI
Nicola Skelly (Vice-Chair) (NS) - Virtual	Executive Director, Washington IrelandProgramme
Prof. Paul Bartholomew (PB)	Vice-Chancellor, Ulster University
Moira Doherty(MD)	Deputy Secretary, Skills and Education Group,Department for the Economy
John Kelpie(JK)	Chief Executive, Derry City& Strabane District Council
Leo Murphy(LM)	Principal and Chief Executive, North West Regional College
Paul Hannigan (PH) - Virtual	Head of College, Atlantic Technological University Donegal
Steven Lindsay (SL)	Deputy Vice President, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
Ethan Davies(ED)	President, Ulster University Students Union
Gavin Killeen MBE (GK)	Managing Director, Nuprint Technologies Limited
Philip Rodgers(PR)	Director of Workforce Policy, Department of Health
Dawn McLaughlin (DM)	Non-Executive Director, Invest NI
Mary MacIntyre OBE (MM) - Virtual	Chartered Town Planner
Ian McKenna (IK)	Principal Officer, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Paddy Mackel(PM)	University andCollege Union
Linda McGuinness (LMG)	Director of Magee Expansion Branch, DfE

 

Apologies

Prof. Paul Seawright OBE (PS)	Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Ulster University
Alison Wallace(AW)	Strategy Manager, Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership

 

Welcome

SK welcomed attendees to the meeting.

Update from KPMG

SK welcomed Chris Rothwell from KPMG to the meeting to discuss the Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Programme Business Case (PBC).

Chris provided a short presentation to update the Taskforce on stage 1 and stage 2 of the Economic Impact Assessment, and approach for capturing the short-term and long-term benefits to the economy from the expansion of Magee.

Chris explained that the impact of the Magee expansion is an estimated cumulative Gross Value Added (GVA) of £339m or £765m output by 2032, and an estimated annual GVA of £258m or £445m output by 2032.

A stage 2 forward working plan was provided, concentrating on refining the information from stage 1, focusing on productivity and looking at a wider range of benefits.

SK thanked Chris for the presentation and asked if the figures and analysis are accurate. Chris assured SK that the model is accurate, and after discussion with Department for the Economy (DfE), Ulster University (UU) and other providers of economic reports they are content they understand any differences in the data and their model is a true reflection of data gathered.

SK asked if this model has captured any additional benefits to the economy that may result from a shift in economic fortune, such as social security benefits. Chris advised that these additional benefits would not typically be quantified using their model but agreed to look into capturing additional benefits such as tax returns and rates into the report.

A recent London Economics report was discussed, and it was highlighted that whilst some of that report could be seen as contradictory to the KPMG analysis, it has very valuable information. It was further added that some of the analysis in the London Economics report could support the KPMG report rather than compete with it. Chris clarified that KPMG will be working with the Departmental economists to ensure consistency.

PB noted that many Universities UK are using London Economics to justify investment. UU are therefore not the only university trying to demonstrate the value of investment, and as consequence the Taskforce need to clearly show that investing at Magee provides the best value for money in comparison to other University areas.

JK mentioned the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre’s (UUEPC) wider GVA analysis of city developments of which the City Deal part of university growth is included, and the need to ensure the two are not additive. He also stated that the NI Executive is not the recipient of the GVA return and the KPMG report needs to show how this theoretical analysis can be converted into a worthwhile investment for the city and the region.

JK noted that the EIA seems focused on Derry rather than the broader regional sense and suggested including a cross-border element to show benefit to the island as a whole. Chris welcomed the feedback and agreed to engaging with JK with an outlook of trying to capture cross-border impacts

MD noted that it is quite right that the Taskforce should provide a solid case for funding and investment and suggested highlighting potential reduced costs to the public purse such as health savings and other social costs and benefits.

SL noted the report was a complex piece of work and that whilst GVA and impact figures are important, it would also be beneficial to see data capturing of job creation and the need for the report to be accessible and easily decipherable by the public.

LM asked if there were any social bonds or models that local government can access for any funding or support and it might be worthwhile looking into.

SK thanked KPMG for presenting and welcomed Susan Lindsay from the Strategic Investment Board (SIB) to give an update on the PBC.

Programme Business Case

Susan Lindsay delivered a presentation on the PBC with a focus on introducing the team, the commission, starting point, key informants and approach. She outlined that the PBC will be facilitated by both her and Angela Reavey from SIB. Susan advised that consultation invites have been sent to some of the Taskforce members and touched on the importance of speaking to as many stakeholders as possible. She noted that timescales for the PBC are ambitious, but they are progressing forward and beginning to schedule workshops. The draft submission is scheduled for the end of May and final submission scheduled for the end of June.

SK thanked Susan for the update and opened the floor to questions. He asked if cross- border engagement will be captured within the PBC, as Derry is a cross-border city region and a lot of the strategic planning such as spatial, economic, market size and cross-border work force are planned and measured on that basis. Susan stated that cross-border impacts can be included in the non-monetary section of the business case.

Action Point 1: LMG and IK to discuss how to better align Taskforce business cases and processes with those in the Republic of Ireland.

SK also asked if June was an achievable date for securing funds with the expectation that Labour will follow through with a multi-year budget to the devolved regions. MD stated DfE will continue to plan ahead with an optimistic approach.

LM noted the importance of linking in with Further Education to discuss the challenges with economic statistics and to capture information on regional deprivation to strengthen the economic case.

Conflict of Interest

LMG relayed that whilst there are other projects that feed into the Taskforce which are critical to its success, the focus of Taskforce meetings should be on the business of the Taskforce only, reiterating that each member has an individual responsibility to declare any conflicts of interest.

Members confirmed that there were no conflicts of interest to be declared.

Minutes from Last Meeting

All Taskforce members confirmed they were content, and no amendments were required to the minutes of the previous meeting.

Action Plan Launch

SK welcomed new colleagues who have joined the DfE team, and he thanked the team for the massive effort to get the Taskforce report launched. He noted that the team can now move on to delivering on the action plan.

SK advised that Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) teams have begun to be established. He noted that teams and structures are also being formed such as governance, marketing, widening participation and the private sector.

SK stressed the need for the PBC to give confidence to budget holders to release money, but also to get 60 to 70% percent of future business cases and work done, allowing the Taskforce to concentrate on other aspects of the programme.

SK noted the extensive levels of engagement since the launch of the action plan:

• SK, LMG and PB gave evidence to the Economy Committee on 8 January on the Action plan and noted that the Committee are very supportive of their work.
• SK attended a community engagement event on 6 February in Magee. The local community expressed concerns about student housing, Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and parking. UU have agreed to continue to engage with the residents to help alleviate these issues.
• Several Taskforce members visited the University of Limerick on 27 January to learn about the university’s growth. The visit was very productive, and follow- up meetings are being arranged with key stakeholders.
• SK met the new Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald on 11 February who reiterated her commitment to the expansion of Magee and assured him that there are no changes to the plan.
• A Special Council meeting is scheduled for 7 April.

Residents’ Engagement Event

SK fed back to the Taskforce on his attendance at a public event held by Ulster University to discuss a range of concerns raised by local residents on 6 February. While acknowledging that this was a challenging meeting, thanking other members for their support and attendance also, he noted that it further emphasised the need for the Taskforce and the expansion more generally to fully engage with residents throughout the project. Taskforce members agreed that this will be vital going forward.

Progress Report from DFE

LMG gave an update on the work from DfE since the last Taskforce meeting:

• Since the Minister set up the Taskforce last year, the Department, in partnership with UU has invested £21.5m of capital expenditure to support the growth of Magee.
  • The first 2.5 floors of the Timberquay building will be renovated and will accommodate approximately 375 additional students in September. The remaining floors will accommodate approximately 300 students.
  • The Queens Quay site has been purchased, and UU continues to work with the Council regarding the acquisition of an additional site by end of March 2025.
  • DfE are clear that it was vital to acquire the land needed to ensure that the university can accommodate 10,000 students.
  • Stranmillis are undertaking a piece of research on student incentives. This research includes some survey work with students. LMG will share this with ED to look at from a student’s perspective.
  • DfE are following up with University of Limerick to discuss some helpful information that was shared at a recent visit and have invited the university to visit Magee in the future.

Action Point 2: LMG to share Stranmillis research survey with ED.

LMG updated to the group on progress being made regarding the four sub-groups to feed into the Programme Business Case.

DfE are hoping to engage more with ROI and plan to travel to Atlantic Technological University to discuss programmes and narrative around cross border communication.

IK stated for the record that in ROI there is huge demand for healthcare professionals, and this demand is a struggle to meet.

Student Accommodation

SK stated that ambitions are to grow the campus, and to not be seen as a commuter campus. An action from the final report was the need for a student accommodation prospectus for potential developers. This will be a helpful tool to define the need and encourage applications for Magee. SK noted the need for good data and market intelligence around what students are currently paying or would be willing to pay would be helpful.

PB confirmed that the university has been engaging with developers and consultants to quantify expected weekly costs for students in Derry based on a 41-week schedule. The university will continue to receive this professional advice.

ED noted that students are concerned about the lack of accommodation at Magee and fear missing out on the overall university experience. He believes that students who can’t stay on campus will likely drive, which adds pressure to the lack of parking. SK asked if there are any figures on what students are currently paying for rent outside of the university. ED did not have these figures but stated if residential accommodation was drastically different from other universities there might be some push back from students.

JK stated that the Council has received a direction order from DfI in relation to its Local Development Plan.

Future work plan & engagement

SK noted the importance of continued stakeholder engagement and promoting the good news stories of the expansion. LM stated there will likely be a workstream making use of school leadership teams, and engagement will progress into these teams to let students know the Magee campus is on the rise.

GK asked if the increase in applications to the university are from local school children. PB advised he does not have this information yet, but will provide for the next Taskforce meeting

Action Point 3: PB to provide geographical breakdown of applicants at next meeting.

SK discussed the enabling funding required from the Taskforce report to reiterate how important it is to have Programme Business Case finalised, and to state how the next 12 months are just as critical as the previous 12 months.

JK discussed the School of Medicine project and mentioned there are many interventions that will be covered by the programme outline business case (OBC) which will then feed into project OBC’s, and the School of Medicine OBC is currently with government. PB added there is no formal update from DfE or DoF on the submission status.

Action Point 4: MD will follow up with DoF on the submission status of School of Medicine.

Any other business

No other business.

Date of next meeting

The date of the next meeting will be confirmed in due course.

Action Points

No.	Action Point	Owner	Status
1	LMG and IK to discuss how to better align Taskforce business casesand processes with those in the Republic of Ireland.	DfE
2	LMG to share Stranmillis research survey with ED.	DfE
3	PB to provide geographical breakdown of applicants at next meeting.	UU
4	MD will follow up with DoFon the submission status of School of Medicine.	DfE