Ambitious moves to set up a university campus in Southend moved a step closer today.

The University of Essex has signed a "unique" deal with South East Essex College to deliver a package of higher Education courses in the borough.

The news came just days after Anglia Polytechnic University opened its new complex at SEEVIC college in Thundersley.

It is hoped the new Southend campus will be based in a state-of-the-art millennium building in the town centre.

A full bid to the Higher Education Funding Council will soon be made to help pay for the new multi-million pound development.

SEEC chief executive Tony Pitcher said: "The signing of this partnership agreement means that together, we will be able to provide a complete education service to local people in Southend and the surrounding region.

"As one of the largest urban areas in England, it is important to be served by our own university."

Mr Pitcher believes the new university link will allow students to study without relocating to other university towns across the country.

He hopes the new campus will also cut the cost of learning by allowing local students to stay at home.

He added: "We welcome the opportunity to build upon our strong relationship with the University of Essex and we look forward to working together to develop higher education courses."

The partnership document was signed by Prof Ivor Crewe, university vice-chancellor, last night.

He said: "This is an exciting and innovative project which could make a major contribution to educational opportunities and the economic development of this region."

Sign - Tony Pitcher, Ivor Crewe and other officials at the ceremony

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL Factfile

Chief executive Tony Pitcher said he hoped around 500 students would be starting degree courses in Southend from September, 2000

Eventually, as many as 1,500 full-time students could be studying in the town

Most will be drawn from the local community and therefore accommodation will not initially be needed

It is hoped, however, that students from across the country and Europe will see the benefits of coming to Southend to learn

Hopes are high that the new campus will be set up on the former market in Elmer Approach, Southend, within three years

Mr Pitcher said the new campus will boost Southend as a learning city for the millennium.

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