Wolverhampton University 'the right choice' for Stafford's historic Shire Hall

With other developments in the town - the new Riverside and Kingsmead shopping centres, two new business parks and the evolving MOD extension at Beaconside - it is being seen as a further signal of the town's rejuvenation.

Jane Gratton, deputy chief executive of Stafford's Chamber of Commerce, said it was an opportunity to set up a higher/further education hub in the town, with Wolverhampton University, Stafford College and Staffordshire University all having bases there.

County councillor Maureen Compton, who spearheaded a campaign to retain Shire Hall, was 'delighted.'

Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy, who said it was 'very good news,' helped to instigate talks between the county and borough councils and the university. He set up a meeting three months ago after Staffordshire University announced plans to close their campus in Stafford and move to Stoke-on-Trent.

He said: "I was keen to see other universities move into the town and so we had a meeting with Wolverhampton's vice chancellor Professor Layer.

"We told him how keen we were to see a growing university like Wolverhampton, with a great reputation, move in. It's a local university in the historic county of Staffordshire and a lot of people from Stafford go there.

"He was keen to expand the university and the council was keen to find a good use for the building. So the two things seemed to come together in a very good way."

Jane Gratton said: "It's excellent news for Stafford and the surrounding area. It's creating a different experience of Stafford for people.

"I understand the university is bringing its performing arts element, which is good because the building was already used for cultural purposes, and also because it will bring young people into the town centre with their energy and vibrancy. This, in turn, is good for the night-time economy."

The future of the Grade II-listed building had been thrown into doubt at the end of last year as part of £109 million cuts at Staffordshire County Council.

Councillor Compton, who was part of the protest movement, called the decision 'very good news.'

She said: "We were totally against it being sold so this is a really good choice.

"I'm still not happy about the library moving to Staffordshire Place because I don't think it's large enough but generally it's positive that we have Wolverhampton University here. It's good that students are encouraged to come into the town.

"There was talk that it was going to be sold and turned into a pub, and we stopped that.

"Although I'm not sure how much space will be left for exhibitions, I'm delighted that we are keeping the multi-sensory room and the court rooms so the building will be well-used."