Slough’s council leader has said a university in the town could help plug a skills gap as he reiterated his commitment to bring one back to Slough.

Councillor Dexter Smith told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he wishes to “cement” plans to have a university in Slough again in the coming year.

The closure of the Slough campus of the former Thames Valley University was announced in 2009, but the new council leader wants to see a higher education centre in the town once more.

He said: “We have a strong case. In Berkshire, there is only one university. Yet Berkshire contributes seven per cent to the national economy.

“In Slough, there are skill shortages and there is a need to upskill the local population so that they get the good jobs that are in Slough.”

The council leader added that a new university in Slough could include training in the creative arts, nursing, business and digital technology – which he believes would provide key skills needed for the town’s economy.

“We are talking to some local employers about some of the digital skills requirements that there are, he said. “We are fairly confident that there would be takeup.”

Potential for graduates from Slough to work in digital fields such as data centres was highlighted, with the council leader saying: “Data centres are now moving on to the next generation. The new data centres that we’re seeing coming forward in Slough will have an area for digital development.

“We see opportunities here for people working there for people to engage in research work.”

He added that he had spoken to Education Secretary Gillian Keegan at the Conservative Party Conference about the importance of apprenticeship degrees.

The former Thames Valley University campus site in Slough was later set for housing development.

Councillor Smith further suggested that the rear part of the Queensmere site where Dukes House is would an “ideal” site for a new Slough university.

He also suggested that the Curve would be “suitable” for an administration centre as well as a university library.

Thames Valley University is now called the University of West London.

Councillor Smith assumed the role of council leader in 2023 following a Conservative victory in the local council election.