Shropshire Council backs £1m Shrewsbury university budget

Shrewsbury Library is one of several locations suggested for use by the new university

Councillors have approved plans to spend £1m to help establish a new university in Shrewsbury.

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.

The first courses are expected to start in September 2015 and cater for up to 400 students.

At a meeting of full council there was cross-party support to approve a £1m budget to develop plans.

Keith Barrow, leader of the Conservative-led Shropshire Council, said it was good news for the county.

"It's good for young people, it's good for Shropshire, it's good for business and the research facilities that will come along with it," he said.

"The original research the university did suggested says it would bring £60m a year into the Shropshire economy.

"I think the long-term effects will be even greater than that."

Final locations for the university are expected to be approved within the next few months.

Sites suggested include the Guildhall in Frankwell, the town library, the council's Shirehall offices, Abbey Foregate car park and Rowley's House.