A new University Centre to boost health careers and town regeneration

Project Insight

Health Innovation Dudley (HID) will deliver a new University Centre at Castle Hill focused on Health and Life Sciences.

Dudley College of Technology will work in partnership with the University of Worcester to deliver Level 4 and 5, degree and post-graduate courses centred around health professional careers, such as nursing, paramedics, healthcare professionals and managers. As Dudley’s only Higher Education facility, HID will complete the range of learning provision in the town.

Project Idea

HID is a central part of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council’s regeneration vision for Castle Hill, delivering a new contemporary gateway into the town centre, opening-up new views to the Scheduled Ancient Monument of Dudley Castle, and complementing the wider conservation area with more appropriate massing and active frontages.

Increasing the flow of students between Castle Hill and the Town Centre will increase expenditure in the town centre businesses (shops, restaurants, bars and leisure activities). It will also support Dudley MBC’s strategic approach to diversify activities, as the retail core shrinks and town centre living and learning increases.

A wider social benefit will be provided with a health and wellbeing space for the Health Authority to deliver health checks, screening facilities, and wider wellbeing assistance to the community. This will give the students ‘real life’ experience of the professions they are aspiring to join.