University closed ‘temporary and worrying’

A representative of a union at the University of Wolverhampton has stated that the announcement of the cut marks a “unstable and worrying” time mark.

The university has announced a plan to shut down its school of art building at its Telford Campus, Wolverhampton and Sports Hall at its city campus.

Catherine Land, president of the UCU branch at the university, told the BBC that people were “really a little worried about what all changes mean”.

The university has said that its assets are very large, which is £ 6m per year at additional cost.

Ms. Lamond described the School of Art Building as a “real local landmark” that people were very sad to lose.

“The school of art was a great student who has gone for international success and who has talked very hobby about the school,” she said.

“So it will be a sad day when it is being knocked.”

The chair of the UCU branch also said that the demolition would be a huge venture that would create disruption due to a junction on the ring road.

He said that in 2022, a group of courses within the School of Arts closed due to a financial deficit in the university, but “a lot of art courses” were still being taught inside the building, he said.

“We know that things have to be changed, the university has a lot of assets,” said Ms. Land.

“We know that we cannot say that nothing is to change, but it is disappointing that it is the building that is with so much history. It is a milestone.”

Regarding the planned closure of the Tailford Campus, Ms. Lamond said that employees and students did not know what would happen next.

“A lot of things are in the air with the teleford campus,” she told the BBC.

“This is a big step to shut down another university campus. Students and employees know that they have to move, but it is disappointing that there is no consultation.”

He said that some students and employees were worried about how they would travel to the complexes in Volwarhampton or Walsal and what transport and housing would be arranged for them.

Ms. Lamond said that the university had “convinced” that it could not get rid of the employees.

The Civic Center of Wolverhampton in the university’s Estates Masterplan also includes transfer of employees of professional services such as HR, IT and Finance from its respective buildings.

Ms. Lamond said that the members of the union were worried that it could be “an unpleasant environment like a huge call center”, but people did not know the details of the move.

In response to the overall plan, Ms. Lammond stated that “Big Headline Statements” were given, but “no engagement” with employees and students about the lack of expansion.

The University of Wolverhampton stated that it would not provide further comments, but it was “actively attached to our employees and students”.

In the original statement about the masterplan, the university said: “Our plan will provide a bold and transformative vision, which will create lively, connected, high quality complexes and ensure the financial stability of the university.

“Our assets are very large. It is more than 30% equal to an annual operating cost of 30% per year £ 6m per year.

“By issuing this resource, university will be able to invest in major strategic fields that will improve the student’s experience, protect jobs, increase the welfare of employees and provide development.”