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A council leader has launched an attack on a want-away university – saying bosses there have no interest in discussing their decision to close a highly-valued campus.
Medway's Cllr Alan Jarrett has also accused the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) of inflating the cost of repairs needed at its Rochester site – the key reason given for leaving.
As previously reported, UCA took the council and Towns' MPs by surprise in May when KentOnline revealed it was planning to close the Fort Pitt Hill campus by September 2023.
Describing it as a "tragedy" facing Medway, Cllr Jarrett answered questions from the council's business support overview and scrutiny committee last night.
He described a strained relationship between the local authority and UCA and said the situation was in a "state of flux", citing a "real void in terms of engagement" between vice chancellor Bashir Makhoul's office and the council over the last couple of years.
He said: "He's not been willing to engage, he's not been based here very often in Rochester, and it is quite plain from the recent correspondence I've seen between him and the MPs that he's had his mind set on leaving Medway for some while; he has no intention of changing his mind.
"I know from conversations I've had with the MPs, about their conversations with the vice chancellor that they have been entirely negative in their outcome."
The top Tory also questioned the £18 million estimated cost of making repairs to campus buildings and explained how although his officers have been tasked with finding ways to maintain a UCA presence, it was his opinion "none of that will work, or has worked because basically their minds are made up".
He added: "They are determined to leave, and shame on them for that."
Medway's three MPs have been trying to persuade the university to change course and keep the campus in the Towns.
On Wednesday, Rochester and Strood's Kelly Tolhurst raised the matter at Prime Minister's Questions.
She said: “We are incredibly proud of our long-standing creative arts community, and the contribution it makes.
"So, it has come as huge blow that the board of directors decided to close the campus – after its 135-year history in the town – having inspired some of our most successful artists and designers, such as Dame Zandra Rhodes, Karen Millen and Tracey Emin.
"Does my right honourable friend agree the university’s plan to close the site at such a difficult time for the sector will be detrimental to our levelling up agenda locally, but also to the opportunities of so many working class kids in Medway, for who this campus has always provided and instrumental a route into further and higher education?”
Responding, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament: "She's right to campaign for higher education particularly in her constituency, and I know that she has been engaged with university leaders on the ground in Rochester.
"I’m sure they will have listened carefully to what she has to say.”
Speaking afterwards, Ms Tolhurst added: “Following continued conversations with the UCA, I am disappointed the vice chancellor and board of governors continue to ignore opposition in the community and are intent on pushing ahead with the closure.
"Many staff, students, and alumni have been in touch with me with their concerns and it is my duty to represent their voice at every level possible, including with the Prime Minister.”
Medway's opposition Labour group has also questioned the situation and called for UCA to stay.
UCA has been approached for comment about Cllr Jarrett's comments.
To read about the history of the university, click here.
