DUDLEY has been granted £25 million to fund the creation of of a new university centre through the government's town fund.

The centre will combined the expertise of Dudley College of Technology and University of Worcester.

The announcement comes today as Communities Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick visited Dudley and Bloxwich which has also received £21.3 million of the town fund.

Robert Jenrick said:“It was great to visit Bloxwich and Dudley today to witness their ambitious plans to spend £46.3 million Government investment to revitalise their town centres.

Dudley News: CGI of the university park proposed for Dudley.CGI of the university park proposed for Dudley.

“This funding will support the creation of a new University Centre in Dudley, unlocking new opportunities locally. It will also support local businesses, boost digital connectivity in Bloxwich and create new public spaces to promote better health and wellbeing in the community.

“We have given 15 town deals to places across the West Midlands also including Hereford, Telford and Wolverhampton, totalling £300 million, to ensure the region is at the forefront of our drive to level up every part of the country.”

Dudley's Towns Fund Board, a partnership between the council, Dudley College, University of Worcester, tourist attractions and other key organisations in Dudley, bidded for the cash in February

The funds will finance the majority of the £36million Higher Education complex at Castle Hill on the site of the old Dudley Hippodrome.