Keele in Town building officially opened in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Keele University’s brand-new teaching, learning and community space in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme has been officially opened, bringing the University into the town centre for the first time in its history. 

Located on Ironmarket, Keele in Town will be a gateway where residents, community groups and businesses can collaborate with the University and benefit from new learning and support opportunities. 

The project was part funded by money from the Newcastle Town Deal: a successful bid by partners including the University, and led by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, to central Government for funding in Newcastle and Kidsgrove – to improve residents’ quality of life and boost economic regeneration. 

We were pleased to attend an event held at the building to officially launch the space, with guests from the University, the Borough Council, and partners including local NHS Trusts and Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group all visiting to celebrate the launch. 

Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: “Keele’s civic role within the community is one we’ve always been enormously proud of, and Keele in Town marks an exciting new chapter in that relationship between our university and the communities we serve, bringing us into the town centre for the first time to create opportunities for local people, businesses, our staff and students, and our partners.” 

The space will be multifunctional and serve a variety of community needs, including offering a space where: 

• Newcastle-under-Lyme residents and eligible businesses will be able to access a range of free digital support opportunities; 

• Community events, such as art exhibitions, can be held; 

• Keele students and staff can work flexibly; 

• People and businesses can access free legal advice on certain areas of law from Keele’s Legal Advice Clinics; 

• Small groups and businesses can meet and stage presentations. 

Partners will also make use of the space, with Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group using the facility throughout the year to connect with the community and deliver a wide range of entry-level adult courses, perfect for those looking to return to study or gain essential new skills for a future career.   

Courses delivered by the College from the town centre venue during the early part of 2025 will include English and Maths at a range of levels, from basic literacy and numeracy through to GCSE-level, along with introductory digital, health and social care, and teaching assistant courses. 

Cllr Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, added: “The council is proud of its strong links with Keele University. Having a world-class higher education establishment on our doorstep already brings many economic and social benefits so I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact that Keele in Town will have in Newcastle town centre. 

“As well as transforming an attractive building on the Ironmarket into a mixed use facility, Keele in Town will drive productivity and increase skill levels in Newcastle-under-Lyme – leading to growth and improved quality of life for residents – while bringing different groups of people into the town centre. 

“Its launch comes as the council’s once-in-a-generation £30 million redevelopment of the nearby Ryecroft site, Astley Place and Midway – which is partly funded by the Newcastle Town Deal and combines new homes, a car park, modern retail space and attractive open spaces – gathers pace to create a sustainable and future-focused place for everyone.” 

The new facility builds on the University’s continuing drive to engage with local communities, which has also included supporting and collaborating with more than 1,000 Staffordshire businesses since 2016; supporting and playing an active role in community events, such as being headline sponsor for the Lymelight Festival; and putting on a vibrant community public arts programme through ArtsKeele.