The government is to invest £30,000 to upgrade facilities at UCM’s Homefield Road campus as students prepare to relocate from the Nunnery.
Education Minister Daphne Caine confirmed the spending breakdown as £10,000 to enhance the higher education study area and £20,000 for essential classroom refurbishments.
Jason Moorhouse, MHK for Arbory, Castletown and Malew, expressed concerns about student expectations: “When our students visit UK universities, they consistently remark on leisure facilities. Has UCM properly researched what modern students expect?”
However, Mrs Caine responded: “With just 112 students relocating, comparisons to UK institutions with thousands of students aren’t reasonable.
“Our Homefield campus offers quality study spaces and benefits from its proximity to Nobles Park.”
Future
Julie Edge (Onchan) questioned the scale of investment can “truly support future course expansion to meet the Island’s skills needs?”
Mrs Caine said she was confident it was enough as The Hive was refurbished last year, and added that the department is “adding new collaborative spaces like #OneUCM”.
Mr Moorhouse pressed on implementation timing: “Prospective students are deciding now – how quickly can UCM match the appeal of UK facilities?”
In response the minister invited all members to visit the UCM campus to inspect it for themselves.
She said: “I encourage all members to visit – they’ll see we already provide outstanding, innovative learning environments.”
The upgrades are scheduled for completion by September when students transition from the Nunnery site.
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