The impending closure of Essex University’s Southend campus this summer is set to leave a profound impact on the seaside town, which has relied on the institution since its inception in 2008. The decision comes on the heels of a significant decline in international student enrolment, affecting 800 students and sparking concerns about the future of the local economy and community.
A Local Legacy at Risk
Nathan Doucette-Chiddicks, a 23-year-old nursing student, embodies the hopes of many in Southend-on-Sea, a town that has seen better days. His connection to the university runs deep; his mother was among its first students, sneaking him into computer labs as a child. For Doucette-Chiddicks, the campus has symbolised opportunity and aspiration for local youth, making the announcement of its closure feel like a personal loss.
“It’s not just a big loss for students; it’s a loss for the city as a whole,” he says, reflecting on the tight-knit community fostered by the university. With 52% of health and social care students hailing from Southend, the campus has been more than an educational facility; it has been a cornerstone of local identity.
Economic Impact on the Community
The Southend campus has played a crucial role in revitalising the local economy. Initially established as part of a vision to address educational disparities in coastal towns, its closure is anticipated to send ripples through the area. Local businesses, including cafes and retail shops, heavily rely on the student population. The loss of this customer base could be catastrophic.
Bayo Alaba, Labour MP for Southend East and Rochford, emphasises the economic implications, asserting that the university contributes over £100 million annually to the local economy. He laments the abrupt nature of the announcement, which caught local representatives off guard just before Christmas. “We were informed in a quick 20-minute Zoom call. It’s been devastating for the community,” he says.
Students Left in Limbo
For many students, including those like Radek Hanus, the closure adds uncertainty to their educational journey. Hanus, a mature student with personal challenges, expressed frustration after learning about the closure through local media. “I’ve lost two years of time and money and education. People are devastated,” he said, highlighting the burden of potential two-hour commutes to the Colchester campus, which is 45 miles away.
The university has promised that affected students can complete their courses at the Colchester campus, but for many, the logistical hurdles are insurmountable. High travel costs and family responsibilities could force students to abandon their studies altogether.
A Broader Trend of Decline
The impending closure is symptomatic of a larger trend affecting coastal towns throughout England. As communities grapple with economic stagnation and dwindling opportunities, the loss of a local university represents a significant blow to aspirations for social mobility. Lauren Ekins, a primary school teacher in Southend, reflects on the long-term consequences for children in the area. “So many children have lost access to their potential futures,” she laments, underscoring the generational impact of the university’s departure.
George Bejko-Cowlbeck, director of a local entertainment venue frequented by students, echoes a similar sentiment. “Having the university here was a big part of the city’s feeling of youthfulness,” he states. The closure not only threatens local businesses but also diminishes the vibrancy and cultural offerings that have emerged in recent years.
Why it Matters
The closure of Essex University’s Southend campus is not merely an institutional loss; it represents a broader decline in opportunities for young people in coastal communities. As local businesses brace for the economic fallout and students face uncertain futures, the implications extend far beyond education. This situation highlights the urgent need for policy interventions to support disadvantaged areas and foster local growth, ensuring that towns like Southend do not continue to be left behind in the pursuit of higher education and economic revitalisation.
