Regional Universities Leader Praises University’s Facilities
Thursday, 03 February 2022
The head of an organisation representing universities in the region has praised the University of Worcester’s inclusive approach and facilities on a recent visit.
Professor Stuart Croft, Chair of the Universities West Midlands Group, with Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester
Professor Stuart Croft, Chair of the Universities West Midlands Group and Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick, gave his reaction after a tour around some the University’s key buildings, including the City Campus, the moot courtroom within the School of Law facilities, The Hive and the University of Worcester Arena.
Professor Croft highlighted the way that inclusivity was mainstreamed in the University’s architecture and design, saying: “It’s really powerful. It’s a university that feels of and for the people of Worcestershire. There’s that sense of being an integrated, developed part of the local community and it’s really inspiring.”
Universities West Midlands is a regional membership organisation working to represent the interests of the 12 Higher Education Institutions within the West Midlands. Its mission is to be a positive force for influence and economic, social and cultural well-being and public benefit.
This was Professor Croft’s first visit to Worcester’s campuses and also his first visit to one of the 12 universities that make up the West Midlands Group since he took over as Chair.
He highlighted The Hive in particular, a jointly owned University and County Council library, and the way it managed to integrate local city needs with those of the University. “The Hive is a real standout concept and the practice I think is a real model for many of us thinking about the future,” he said. “It’s a beautiful building, it really is.”
Professor Croft was also impressed by the University of Worcester Arena, Britain’s first indoor sports hall purpose designed to meet the needs of the wheelchair athlete. He commented: “The Arena is really impressive as a concept as well as a practical demonstration of inclusivity in action.”
Professor Croft said he hoped the visit would help him gain a better understanding of both the diverse challenges facing West Midlands universities, and the concerns which were universal across the sector. “I wanted to visit first really to understand the issues that member universities are facing at the moment. We’re facing some similar issues and we’re all facing different ones depending on the nature of universities and where we are geographically.”