A LEADING maritime academy is set to move to Southampton, it has been revealed.

Southampton Solent University is spending £6m to move teaching from the upper site at Warsash Maritime Academy to Southampton by September 2018.

Teaching provision will move this summer starting with the cadet and first certification teaching provision students who will move to a new campus at Southampton College from September followed by the professional and higher level maritime education programs in September 2018 to SSU’s existing campus at East Park Terrace.

Education chiefs at the University claim the move is central to its commitment to investing in maritime education and training, and its recently launched maritime strategy.

Prof Graham Baldwin, vice-chancellor, said: “Greater competition, uncertainty around the future of funding, and a requirement to respond to the growing needs and demands of the maritime industry means we must ensure a learning experience that consistently meets and exceeds expectations for maritime education and training.

“This relocation will enhance an already outstanding student experience, offer value for money and sustainability, and maximize industry engagement and prospects.”

The plans will also see the university's David Moxon and Emily Davies halls of residence become solely for the cadet’s use with improved facilities such as single study bedrooms and self-catering facilities.

Specialist facilities for tuition for fire-fighting, maritime safety and offshore, medical, and seamanship certification will be retained at the lower Warsash campus site, with plans to further upgrade the facilities.

Local residents, however, are worried that the decision will impact on Warsash’s local business trade and facilities.

Cllr Trevor Cartwright, local councillor for Warsash, said: “It is a shame to see that the parts of the Academy move which has been a part of the community for several decades.

“However, it’s a wise decision for the university in terms of saving money, everyone has to move forward in terms of saving money.”

Brian Smail, chairman of the Warsash Residents Association, added: “The fact that we are losing so many students isn’t welcoming news for the village.

“Local pubs and shops that many students and cadets use will lose a serious proportion of their trade, creating a negative impact on the local economy.”

The academy is a leading provider of maritime education and training and offers courses in handling ships and boats and engineering.

The move comes following consultation with staff, students, and stakeholders about the future of the upper site at Warsash.