A PLEDGE to drive economic growth and tackle social challenges in Southampton has been made by politicians and university leaders in the city.
The Civic University Agreement aims to improve the quality of life for people in Southampton and the surrounding areas by connecting communities through culture, education, and enterprise.
It was signed by representatives from Southampton City Council and other local authorities, plus the University of Southampton.
They pledged to work together and take collective action on six priority areas.
These include creating more opportunities for education and new skills, reducing inequality, generating jobs and economic growth, sustainability, and investing in arts and culture.
The leader of the city council, Cllr Satvir Kaur, said: "We look forward to building on our existing close working relationship with the University of Southampton to create a city of opportunity.
"They share our vision to be a city to be proud of, where people want to live, work, study, visit and enjoy.
"Southampton has huge potential economically and socially, and I look forward to unlocking that potential, becoming future-ready and delivering for our local communities."
The other local authorities involved are Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council and Eastleigh and Test Valley borough councils.
Cllr Martin Tod, leader of Winchester City Council said: "Winchester School of Art has been in the heart of our city for more than 150 years and the University of Southampton has been with us for nearly 30.
"We really value the university’s cultural, creative and economic contribution to our city’s life."
Cllr Derek Pretty, cabinet lead for economy at Eastleigh Borough Council, added: "I’m very pleased to sign the Civic University Agreement as its aims are very much in line with our own.
"We strongly believe that, by working in partnership, what we achieve will be much greater than the sum of its parts, and I know that its leadership by one of the world’s highest-achieving universities will ensure it is a success."
Cllr Philip Bundy is cabinet member for planning at Test Valley Borough Council.
He said: "We will work closely with the university to highlight local needs, maximise opportunities to support our communities and enable them to prosper."
The university's vice-chancellor, Prof Mark E Smith, said: "We support a huge range of activities, from our substantial contribution to the arts and culture in the region to outreach by our academics."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel