Economy Minister 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
underinvestment 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: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/expansion-derry-londonderry-campus-uu-report-plan
Notes to editors:
- 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.
