Eastbourne leader 'disappointed' as university confirms campus closure
The University of Brighton is to shift all departments out of the town from 2024
The leader of Eastbourne Borough Council has said he is 'extremely disappointed' following confirmation that the University of Brighton is to close its campus in the town.
All three sites in Eastbourne will be shut as of the start of the 2024/25 academic year, following a public consultation into the proposals.
The sites affected are Hillbrow, which includes the sports centre, Darley Road and Leaf Hospital.
It comes as the University confirmed plans to locate all seven of its schools on single campuses within Brighton – at Falmer, Moulsecoomb and City - with new student hubs plans to allow them to 'socialise, access services and feel part of the campus community. '
The School of Sport and Health Sciences - which use to be split across different hubs - will be made into one.
Council leader David Tutt said the authority had 'strongly objected' to the plans throughout the consultation process:
"The university will have no physical presence in Eastbourne beyond this time and that represents a massive blow to the town.
"Not only has the Eastbourne campus attracted students here, bringing economic benefits such as the money they spend locally and employment for staff, losing these sites will result in a loss of sports and health facilities for residents.
Cllr Tutt added that the council would speak to other universities to encourage them to set up a campus in Eastbourne.
"There are so many benefits for a university to locate in our wonderful seaside town and we are very keen to welcome a new third-level education organisation here, with all the accompanying advantages that brings for residents and businesses."
Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said:
“This is a momentous decision for everyone associated with the University of Brighton.
"We can now move forward with a bold and ambitious vision for the future of our University, built around a shared desire to provide the very best experience for our students and staff.
“Our Eastbourne campus is an important part of the University’s history and heritage.
"While we may not continue to have a physical presence in Eastbourne in the future, the University of Brighton remains firmly committed to its role supporting people and businesses across East Sussex and beyond.
"We have a strong track record of working in partnership in our region and that will only grow stronger as we move forward with our plans.”