ID019 In the Company of Friends

The Idea

Currently, Keele can feel too much like an ivory tower on a hill. Many people in the local area rarely visit, and some have never visited the campus at all.

This proposal calls for Keele to make fuller use of its existing Keele in Town presence while also developing the concept of a "Town in Keele" by making the campus a destination that local people actively want to visit.

Open Up the Campus Through "Keele Gardens"

The campus could be opened up and promoted as an affordable and accessible visitor destination, building on its unique landscape, lakes, woodland and heritage environment. Centred around the lakes and walking routes, this could include:

• A children's playground
• A garden centre
• Independent and sustainable local retail businesses
• Cafés and refreshment facilities
• A junior parkrun and other community fitness activities
• Seasonal family events such as Easter egg hunts and summer activities
• Outdoor seating, deckchairs and opportunities to enjoy the landscape
• Recreational activities such as boat trips or paddle boats where appropriate

The aim would be to make Keele a place people associate with leisure, recreation, nature and community activity, as well as education and research.

Bring Down Barriers to Visiting

The visitor experience should be reviewed to ensure it is welcoming and accessible. Particular consideration should be given to parking arrangements, signage and visitor information.

At a minimum, parking information should be communicated clearly so that visitors understand when parking charges apply and when parking is free. Reducing confusion and creating a more welcoming first impression would help build positive relationships with local communities.

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

A civic university should be more than a place where people come to gain qualifications before moving elsewhere. A thriving university actively engages with its communities, welcomes visitors and creates opportunities for people to connect with it throughout their lives.

Creating reasons for people to visit the campus beyond academic activity would help build stronger relationships with local communities and create positive associations with the university.

Young people in particular would benefit from early and repeated exposure to the campus environment. Positive experiences of visiting Keele may increase awareness of higher education opportunities and encourage future applications to study at the university.

The university should also continue to participate actively in local events and community activities, reinforcing its role as an engaged civic institution.

What Success Would Look Like

• Keele is recognised as a visible and valued contributor to local community life.
• Local residents develop positive and lasting associations with the university from an early age.
• More visitors come to campus for leisure, recreation, events and community activities.
• Visitors leave with positive impressions of the university and its environment.
• Stronger relationships are developed between the university, local communities and future generations of prospective students.
• The campus becomes a recognised destination that complements Keele's academic, cultural and civic identity.