Shrewsbury library could be University of Chester site

Shrewsbury's library and former reference library are among the locations to be suggested

A Grade I listed library, a council headquarters and two car parks are all possible locations for a new university in Shrewsbury.

The sites are on a list to go before Shropshire councillors on 17 July.

Other potential sites being considered include the town council offices and a former museum.

The institution would start life as a part of the University of Chester, but the long-term aim is to turn it into a free-standing university.

Shropshire Council, which is putting forward the proposals with the university, said it aimed to have the first undergraduate courses start in 2015.

The authority's Shirehall offices and the town library are on the list along with Frankwell car park, Abbey Foregate car park, Rowley's House and the Tannery building.

They are included as possible sites for student accommodation or lecture theatres.

The Theatre Severn could also be used to host lectures, councillors will be told.

The Abbey Foregate car park is one of three car parks being considered

Shropshire Council's headquarters in Shrewsbury could also be used

Keith Barrow, the leader of Shropshire Council, that the town would not lose its library services if the 16th century library building is chosen, and the authority would look at the potential impact on parking.

If councillors back the report, detailed plans will be drawn up and presented in September.

The members will also be asked to approve spending up to £1m to develop the proposals, on top of the £500,000 already committed by the University of Chester.

Student accommodation needs to be complete by September 2015 in time for the first undergraduate admissions.

Rowley's House is already being used by the team drawing up the university proposals