An action plan detailing a comprehensive roadmap for expanding the Ulster University Magee campus in L'Derry has been unveiled by its taskforce.

The taskforce, chaired by Stephen Kelly with Vice-Chair Nicola Skelly, has worked tirelessly to develop the roadmap which will expand Magee to 10,000 students. This project is set to drive transformative change for the North West, delivering significant educational, social and economic benefits.

The action plan sets out detailed steps to achieve this target, including:

• Infrastructure investments: Proposals for 18 capital projects, including new teaching blocks, research facilities and private sector-led student accommodation.

• Student attraction strategies: Initiatives to broaden participation and ensure inclusivity, including a comprehensive marketing campaign in conjunction with Tourism NI.

• Regional integration: Strengthening partnerships between the university, local communities and industry.

• Governance framework: A robust structure to oversee and monitor the programme’s implementation.

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Economy Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the action plan at a launch event at the university's L'Derry campus while addressing an audience of key stakeholders, policymakers and members of the community.

He said: "This report is a game changer for economic growth and social transformation across the North West.

"It will serve as a blueprint for continued collaboration among government, academia, the private sector, and the community and voluntary sector, to deliver the 10,000-student target at Ulster University's Magee campus by 2032. 

"It is a key commitment in the draft Programme for Government. With the support of the Executive and the action plan in place, now is the time to deliver real change."

The Minister outlined a number of key actions which have taken place since the taskforce was established earlier this year. 

He said: "We have established a central office hub for the Magee expansion taskforce team, secured funding for the Shared Island Teaching Block and Sports Air Dome, and provided funding for an additional 500 student places this academic year.

"From the next academic year onwards, students at the Graduate Entry Medical School will be able to access a tuition fee loan. These are just some of the milestones which lay the foundation for sustained progress."

The Minister concluded: "We now have a plan to get us to 10,000 students. After that target is reached the sky is the limit for Derry."

According to an economic analysis by KPMG, the expansion will create over 4,600 jobs across Northern Ireland, with more than half directly benefiting the North West.

From 2029, the project is expected to generate an annual economic return exceeding £258 million.

The taskforce's report, including the action plan, can be viewed here.