MMU’s Crewe campus could be closed due a ‘significant decline in student numbers’.

The board of governors for Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) are currently looking at three drastic changes, including the creation of a town centre campus.

Discussions between governors and senior staff have been ongoing for the past 12 months, and now the board has appointed external consultants to conduct a review of potential options.

The spokesman said: “Senior academic staff have been aware for some time that the campus faces a number of major challenges, most notably a significant decline in student numbers.

“This has continued despite investment in the campus in recent years.”

One of the options on the table is to create a very different, more focused academic offer on the existing campus or alternatively to create the same offering on a new, town centre campus in Crewe.

The third option is the closure of the campus entirely.

“Over the summer, the consultants will research these options in more detail and there will be a programme of engagement with university staff, and with representatives of the local community,” the spokesman said.

“As part of this research and engagement phase, alternative partnership models will be explored.

“The board will consider a further report, including a recommended way forward, at their meeting on September 30.

“No decisions have been taken and there will be no immediate impact on the campus.”