Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has allocated £3.5m towards the creation of a new rural university and small businesses hub in the west of the county.
The development on the campus of the Kingston Maurward College, near the town of Dorchester, is the first facility to link agricultural skills development with local businesses in Dorset’s countryside.
Dorset LEP Director, Lorna Carver, said the money will help the new University Centre and Rural Business Development Hub to address a deficiency in higher education and provide “valuable support to the rural business community.”
It follows previous cash injections from the LEP for infrastructure upgrades to the college’s wider campus, including the rollout of 5G and an augmented reality facility at Hengistbury Head visitor centre, between Bournemouth and Mudeford.
Luke Rake, Principal of Kingston Maurward College, described the new hub as a “game changer” for Dorchester and rural communities. across Dorset.
Mr Rake said: “It has long been recognised that progression to higher education is less good from the rural part of the county. This ambitious intervention, driven by the college, aims to help improve social mobility and opportunities for knowledge transfer.
“A dedicated rural business centre will both support businesses across the rural area and also increase opportunities with our new Rural Business, Tourism and Heritage Land Management programmes for Sixth Formers and University students from 2021-22.”
The investment is drawn from a £11.8m central government package for building schemes in Dorset, that should create 264 jobs.
Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, welcomed the announcement of the LEP’s investment into Kingston Maurward College, which he said had a long history in helping young people to further careers in agriculture, business and the military.
Mr Loder said: “This new funding secures future development, as well as offering a much-needed boost for the local community and rural economy.”
