Southampton makes historic pledge to drive economic growth and tackle social challenges

A historic pledge to drive economic growth and tackle social challenges in Southampton has been made by university leaders and councillors from the region

The joint commitment has established a Civic University Agreement which intends to improve the quality of life for people in the city and surrounding areas by connecting communities through culture, education and enterprise.

It was signed by representatives from Southampton City Council alongside the University of Southampton, which will lead the initiative, Winchester City Council, Eastleigh and Test Valley Borough Councils and Hampshire County Council.

Pledges have been made for collective action on six priority areas which include creating more opportunities for education and new skills, reducing inequality, generating jobs and economic growth, sustainability, and investing in arts and culture.

Leader of Southampton City Council Councillor 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 Civic University Agreement is a key recommendation in a report published by the Civic University Commission. The review underlines how UK universities have the capability, opportunity and responsibility to support their communities to solve the most pressing and major issues.

The Agreement underpins a wealth of activity from the University of Southampton in support of communities across the region. It remains the second-largest employer, after the NHS, and last year contributed £1.6 billion to the south east, a significant proportion occurs within Southampton itself, according to a London Economics Report.

University of Southampton Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark E Smith said:

“We support a huge range of activities in Southampton and Winchester, from our substantial contribution to the arts and culture in the region, to outreach by our academics and support for local groups. Our research, education, alumnus and outlook are global, but we are rooted in our community.”