Yahoo News Uni moves into former Mr Maliks curry house in big boost for Newcastle town centre
Keele University has taken over an empty curry house in a big boost for Newcastle. The 'teaching, learning and community hub' has launched inside the former Mr Maliks restaurant in Ironmarket.
It is the first time the university's history that is has had a base in the town centre and will act as a 'gateway' where residents, community groups and businesses can utilise Keele's expertise.
The 19th century three-storey building - now known as Keele in Town - has been transformed into a 'mixed-use facility' with working and meeting spaces which will help connect businesses and non-profit organisations with students and staff. An event was held last week to officially launch the space, which also has a sustainable on-site cafe.
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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 is described as 'multifunctional' and will offer:
Newcastle residents and eligible businesses access a range of free digital support;
Community events, such as art exhibition;
A space for Keele students and staff to work flexibly;
Free legal advice on certain areas for people and businesses;
A meeting place for small groups and businesses.
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group will also use the space to deliver entry-level adult courses such as English and maths from basic literacy and numeracy through to GCSE-level, along with introductory digital, health and social care, and teaching assistant courses.
The project - the cost of which has not been revealed - was part funded by money from the Newcastle Town Deal after a bid was made to the Government for funding in Newcastle and Kidsgrove.
Simon Tagg, leader of Newcastle 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 former Mr Malik's has remained empty ever since owner Muhammed Gulam Ali, from Hanley, ran over and killed a 30-year-old man in June 2015. The unit was later sold to Titanic Brewery but its plans for a Bod café-bar on the site never materialised.
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