Opposition arises over catering college relocation

Plans by the University of Ulster to move catering and tourism students from its Jordanstown campus to Portrush have met with stiff opposition.

Fewer students are expected to sign up for the courses on the north coast after the University of Ulster said it intended to create a Centre of Excellence in Portrush.

The catering college in Portrush has already agreed to merge with the University of Ulster which will mean bringing the hotel management degree courses from Jordanstown near Belfast to the north coast.

As a result of the move the catering college is to drop some of its craft courses which train cooks.

University of Ulster Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett said it wanted to establish a centre of excellence in research and consultancy for the industry.

While the university has made the decision to move the course, as well as informing new students they will be taught in Portrush from next September, the Department of Employment and Learning has still to begin a promised consultation on the merger which is not due to begin until the new year.

In the meantime the University plans to continue with its plans to relocate. (MB)