Benefits of a University for Hereford

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How Lincoln University regenerated the east Midlands city

Could the benefits seen in Lincoln since the university’s inception be replicated in similar areas such as Hereford?

When the University of Lincoln was first built on a derelict rail goods yard, it’s said that one of its buildings was designed to be converted into a shopping centre if the university didn’t work out.

While that may be an apocryphal story, it speaks to the tremendous success of the university and its value to the local community. Since its inception in 1996, Lincoln has grown from 500 students to 14,500, generating £430m for the local economy annually. In this small east Midlands city of 99,000 people it is a vital presence: one in six people either works with the university or studies there.

Local residents say the university has transformed Lincoln from provincial backwater to a culturally thriving, diverse city, with new shops and restaurants springing up to accommodate students and the graduates who stay to work in hi-tech businesses supported by the university.

Maybe a chat with those involved with Lincoln's success would be useful for Hereford Council.