£4million to be spent on Staffordshire University base

Stafford's main Beaconside campus will close next summer, with students relocating to Stoke. But, as part of the move, millions are set to be spent on the Blackheath Lane campus, also in Stafford, where nursing, midwifery and health courses are taught.

The campus will see a new library, revamped teaching rooms and social spaces. Bosses hope the investment will mean it becomes 'a centre of excellence'.

The university is now looking at how best to market the Beaconside campus when they come to finally selling it.

Spokeswoman Maria Scrivens said: "We'll look at whether to sell it as a whole estate or as separate elements.

"We will continue at the Beaconside site until summer 2016.

"Four million pounds will be spent at Blackheath Lane. We want it to be a centre of excellence."

If the plans, which are due to be submitted to Stafford Borough Council in the next few weeks, are approved, work at Blackheath Lane will start next June.

A total of £40m is being spent by the university across Stoke and Stafford.

Stoke will see new computing labs, gaming labs and state-of-the-art TV and music technology studios.

Around 3,000 computing and entertainment technology students will move from Stafford to the north of the county in time for the new 2016 academic year.

In December, the university, which also has campuses in Lichfield and Shrewsbury, announced cuts of £5m over 18 months. A fall in student numbers was blamed on the budget cuts.

When it was announced last January that Beaconside would be closing, leaders in the county said they feared that £30m a year could be wiped from the Stafford economy.

The campus includes courses in computer games design, electronic engineering, music and film. Halls of residence, a gym, sports facilities and the students' union are based on site.

A petition was launched by students against the controversial move and Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy vowed to fight to keep the campus open.