University of Cumbria campus closure go-ahead

Posted on Friday, 05 February 2010 by ben

University of Cumbria directors have backed proposals to close its Ambleside campus.

They met yesterday and supported plans to transfer all undergraduate education to Carlisle and teacher training to either Carlisle and/or Lancaster.

Plans to close the campus surfaced following financial setbacks, including a cap on student numbers, the loss of £25m pledge from the Learning and Skills Council to revamp Newton Rigg near Penrith.

Proposed mothballing of the former Charlotte Mason site is expected to save up to £2m.
University bosses hope to make savings of £8m-£10m by the summer.

A final decision to back the closure will be made on March 25.