THE University of Chester has denied a report which suggested it was considering quitting its premises in Warrington’s Time Square.
A spokesperson for the university said: “The University wishes to reassure its students, partners, staff and stakeholders of its ongoing commitment to Warrington town centre.
“We have not had a discussion with Warrington Borough Council about vacating this property. The report is based on inaccurate information from Warrington Borough Council.”
A report on financial problems facing Time Square to be presented to the council’s cabinet on Monday states that the council “suspects from recent contact, that the University of Chester is likely to terminate their lease through a break clause in June next year.”
The report indicates the income target for Time Square of £1.507 million is unrealistic in the present economic climate with food and beverage and the cinema and leisure industries significantly impacted by Brexit, Covid, the cost-of-living crisis and recent increases in employment costs.
The report states that the anticipated rental income from the centre is now estimated to be around £ 780,000.
The University of Chester’s premises in Time Square was officially opened in April 2023 offering small lecture spaces, study zones, as well as spaces to connect for students, businesses, schools, colleges, and the local community.
*Warrington-Worldwide has asked the borough council for a comment.
