THE University of Bolton has entered an ambitious joint commitment aiming to develop education and business for future generations in a neighbouring town.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the university’s president and vice chancellor, Professor George Homes, and the leader of Bury Council, Councillor Rishi Shori ­— which the two institutions say heralds the start of a special relationship.

The document, which was signed at a ceremony in Bury Town Hall on Tuesday, outlines how the two bodies will collaborate to develop “substantial” university provision and “state-of-the-art” infrastructure for education, industrial development and economic regeneration in Bury, over the next two years.

It also aims to provide opportunities to funnel talented young people from schools through to further education and degrees, and directly into employment, all in one town.

Prof Holmes said he was delighted by the collaboration, adding: “This is tremendous news and the University is delighted to be working so closely with Bury Council on such ambitious and exciting plans.

“At the University of Bolton, we are determined to help improve and change the lives of as many people as possible through education. This collaboration will create enormous mutual benefit for the wider business sectors and the people of Bury, as well as the entire Greater Manchester City Region.

He added: “Both organisations will foster relationships with a variety of businesses in and around the area to help achieve our goals.”

Through the collaborative venture, The University of Bolton will gain a significant presence in Bury as the partners seek to provide a range of higher education, research and education programmes including undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees.

It will also offer degree apprenticeships, applied research projects, and enterprise activities with industry.

The two partners say their collaboration will further aim to “develop a top quality, modern environment for the knowledge economy in Bury”, including a designated “Innovation Zone” and a hub focussing on apprenticeships.

Cllr Shori said: “It is crucial that we are able to provide the best start for young people in terms of education which will greatly increase their employability. This partnership will enable Bury residents to acquire a high quality education to degree level and at the same time help us to retain talented and skilled local people in the borough to assist them in gaining employment which will contribute to and boost the economy.”