Last updated at 15:03, Friday, 13 November 2009

The University of Cumbria’s invitation was: “Bring your dreams.” Sadly a new rider has been added now: “But not just yet.”

All dreamers suffer setbacks from time to time. In deep recession, this university has proved to be no exception.

Hopes for rapid development have had to reined in. Ambitious targets for growth – including a £70m flagship campus and headquarters within five years – will not now be met. Economic downturn has done its worst.

Now it would seem the University of Cumbria will not be able to open its new campus as planned by 2013 and student numbers may reach just over half their original estimates by 2016.

Disappointment is a bitter pill and the aftertaste of this one will be shared across the city and throughout the county.

The university’s growth was to be a key catalyst for Carlisle’s growth and was to improve educational opportunities for young people throughout the region.

Furthermore, the Renaissance backed option for collaboration with the university to provide a large theatre on the new riverside campus, meeting the whole city’s performing arts needs, now looks to have joined all those other hopes and dreams on the shelf marked: “Maybe later.”

The creation of Cumbria’s university took years to achieve.

It was pursued because it was crucial to raising standards and aspirations in an area where the number of young people going into higher education was – and still is –unacceptably low.

The benefits it promised to businesses and the local economy were also drivers.

High ideals failed not for the want of trying nor for lack of quality in their substance. Outside influences conspired against Carlisle’s dreams just before they were realised. And that is bitterly disappointing.

The original vision still exists. But many will wonder how long it can sit on the back burner, before it boils dry.

First published at 14:22, Friday, 13 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk