Jesse Norman has today celebrated the news that £8 million of Government funding has been announced for Hereford’s new specialist tech and engineering university.

The start-up capital funding is part of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal, which was granted £21.9 million earlier today.

The Chancellor, Philip Hammond, visited the West Midlands to deliver the news as part of the Government’s commitment to regenerating the region.

The new Hereford university is hoping to open its doors to the first 300 students in September 2019.

 Commenting on the announcement, Jesse said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Government has now weighed in behind this fantastic project. This is a historic moment for Herefordshire.  It can be the most significant change to the county since the construction of Hereford Cathedral."

"I take my hat off to the co-leaders Karen Usher and David Sheppard, to Herefordshire Council and the Marches LEP for their support, and to the enlightened government officials and ministers who have helped make this happen.

“It has long been my dream for us to have a university of our own in Hereford. I first called for it publicly in 2009, helped bring the university project leadership and advisory team together, raised money for it, and have campaigned to make this a reality ever since then.  

"This investment shows that Government is behind this project. There is a huge amount to do before opening, but we are on our way.

“As Minister for Energy and Industry, I see every day how much demand there is amongst British and international companies for skilled and rounded engineers with hands-on industry experience, who are ready for immediate employment.  Now Herefordshire can be a place that provides this next generation of world-leading engineers.”

And there was more good news for the county today.  

£2.82 million of the LEP money will be used to support a new Centre for Cyber Security in Hereford, creating 185 jobs.  Another £2.75 million will be spent on training across the Marches, with Hereford and Ludlow College expected to benefit.