Slough should have a university campus in the town again within the next few years, its council leader has pledged.

Councillor Dexter Smith, who assumed the Slough Borough Council leadership following this year’s elections, said he wants to see a higher education campus in the town “as soon as possible”.

The former Thames Valley University announced the closure of the Slough campus in 2009, and councillors agreed to the sale of the land in March this year.

Councillor Smith cited the potential boost to the local economy as one of the key reasons for backing the return of a university campus to the town.

He said: “Having a lot of students on the high street increases the footfall for the shops and for entertainment and cultural activities. And that’s where we need it.”

Councillor Smith added that he wants any potential university in Slough to be located in the centre of the town.

The site of the original Slough campus of Thames Valley University is now set for housing development.

Thames Valley University is now known as the University of West London.

Management, accountancy and nursing training are among the skills the council leader suggested could be brought to the town by a higher education campus.

He added: “Since Thames Valley University left, there has been a massive expansion of Pinewood Studios, and it’s opening up a real opportunity for the creative arts in this area. That too, could be something that this new university could address.”

While he said that opening a new university in Slough would not be possible for the start of the academic year this September, the council could be looking to launch it in the next year or two.

“The high street needs a shot in the arm right now,” he added. “The news of something like that would help.

“There are people who are investing and there are lots of other things that are going on. But if we can utilise buildings that are already there, that helps that transition.”