Southend-on-Sea councillors are exploring plans for a new university campus after the University of Essex announced its local site will close this summer.
The Essex university revealed in 2025 that its Southend campus would shut in August, citing “significant financial challenges”. The closure affects around 800 students, with all courses transferring to the main Colchester campus, and could result in 200 full-time job losses over the next two years.
City leaders warn the closure poses a “significant threat to Southend’s economic growth, skills pipeline, cultural life, and long-term ambition to be a thriving coastal city of learning and innovation”.
At an extraordinary council meeting on Monday, members agreed to work with the city’s two MPs to explore the future of higher-education provision in Southend. Options include creating a new Southend University, establishing a partnership or merger with an existing institution, or expanding university-level courses through South Essex College or University Centre South Essex.
Alternative higher-education providers may also be considered for the soon-to-be-vacant campus on Elmer Approach in the city centre.
The meeting was called by Reform UK councillor Dan Nelson, deputy leader of his party’s group, and his motion was unanimously approved following amendments by Labour members. The council only learned of the campus closure 24 hours before it was publicly announced.
