Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has reaffirmed its commitment of £1m to enhance its research and innovation capability to support the Ashfield Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre, which is to be funded through the Government’s Towns Fund programme.

This is in addition to £5m already committed by NTU over the next five years to develop its presence in Mansfield and Ashfield, mainly on the Vision West Nottinghamshire College (VWNC) campus.

The announcement by Vice-Chancellor Professor Edward Peck was made at a virtual roundtable, hosted by NTU, with Minister of State for Universities Michelle Donelan MP and Coun Ben Bradley, MP for Mansfield and leader of Nottinghamshire County Council. The meeting, attended by local council, business and education leaders, discussed how the university’s partnerships in the two districts will help deliver the Government’s new skills agenda and support ‘levelling up’ in Mansfield and Ashfield through expansion of both demand for and supply of higher technical and vocational education.

Professor Peck said: “NTU’s developments in Mansfield and Ashfield over the last two years bring together the values, expertise and experience of NTU in two towns where previously we had limited presence. 

“This is why I am delighted to announce our £1m additional investment to support Ashfield Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre, a project which is crucial to the future prosperity of the area.”

Coun Bradley MP said: “NTU’s expanded presence in Mansfield and Ashfield is a welcome boost to the area as we look to revive the economy following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“NTU and Vision West Nottinghamshire College are rolling out a wide range of higher level technical courses that will equip people of all ages with the skills they need for the jobs of the future.”