Murphy - Report a game changer for unlocking economic potential in the North West
Date published:
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today welcomed the Action Plan from the Ulster University Magee Expansion Taskforce at a launch event at the university’s campus in Derry~Londonderry.
The Taskforce, chaired by Stephen Kelly with Vice-Chair Nicola Skelly, has worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive roadmap for expanding Magee to 10,000 students. This project is set to drive transformative change for the North West, delivering significant educational, social and economic benefits.
Addressing an audience of key stakeholders, policymakers and members of the community, Minister Murphy highlighted the role this expansion will play in addressing the region's historic under-investment and unlocking its potential for growth.
He said:
“This report is a game changer for economic growth and social transformation across the North West.
“It will serve as a blueprint for continued collaboration among government, academia, the private sector, and the community and voluntary sector, to deliver the 10,000-student target at Ulster University’s Magee campus by 2032.
“It is a key commitment in the draft Programme for Government. With the support of the Executive and the Action Plan in place, now is the time to deliver real change.”
The Action Plan sets out detailed steps to achieve this target, including:
- Infrastructure Investments: Proposals for 18 capital projects, including new teaching blocks, research facilities and private sector-led student accommodation.
- Student Attraction Strategies: Initiatives to broaden participation and ensure inclusivity, including a comprehensive marketing campaign in conjunction with Tourism NI.
- Regional Integration: Strengthening partnerships between the university, local communities and industry.
- Governance Framework: A robust structure to oversee and monitor the programme’s implementation.
The Minister outlined a number of key actions which have taken place since the Taskforce was established earlier this year. He said: “We have established a central office hub for the Magee Expansion Taskforce Team, secured funding for the Shared Island Teaching Block and Sports Air Dome, and provided funding for an additional 500 student places this academic year. From the next academic year onwards, students at the Graduate Entry Medical School will be able to access a tuition fee loan. These are just some of the milestones which lay the foundation for sustained progress.”
The Minister concluded:
“We now have a plan to get us to 10,000 students. After that target is reached the sky is the limit for Derry.”
According to an economic analysis by KPMG, the expansion will create over 4,600 jobs across Northern Ireland, with more than half directly benefiting the North West. From 2029, the project is expected to generate an annual economic return exceeding £258million.
The report is available at:
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Pictured at Ulster University's Derry~Londonderry campus at the launch of the Magee Expansion Taskforce's final report and Action Plan are (l-r) Stephen Kelly, Chair of the Magee Taskforce; Cllr Lillian Seenoi Barr, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council; Nicola Skelly, Vice Chair of the Magee Taskforce; Economy Minister Conor Murphy; and Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University.
- The Magee Expansion Taskforce was established to oversee and develop an action plan for increasing Ulster University Magee campus enrolment to 10,000 students.
- This is in line with the New Decade, New Approach commitment which states: “The Executive will bring forward proposals for the development and expansion of the UU campus at Magee College, including the necessary increase in maximum student numbers to realise the 10,000 student campus target and a Graduate Entry Medical School.”
- The Taskforce has met 10 times and delivered an Interim Report in September 2024, outlining initial progress and key recommendations.
- The Report and Action Plan include strategies for infrastructure, student attraction and regional integration.
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