MMU’s Crewe campus is set to close.

Professor Malcolm Press, vice-chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, announced on Friday that the site was deemed no longer sustainable.

The university has been undertaking a review of the long-term future of academic provision at its Cheshire campus due a ‘significant decline in student numbers’.

On Friday the Board of Governors met to discuss the three options considered within a business case prepared by external consultants.

Following that meeting, the Board has endorsed a preference to withdraw from the campus.

Professor Press said: “It has been evident for some time that the Cheshire campus is no longer academically or financially sustainable for the University.

“The review conducted by Deloitte has examined the options in detail and concluded that the only viable solution is withdrawal from the campus.

“I recognise the significance of this for the staff, students and local community, but it is important to note that this remains a proposal subject to further consultation.”

The Board of Governors endorsement does not constitute a final decision about the future of the Cheshire campus. They will be asked to make a final decision in the Spring Term 2017.

The review was undertaken following the decision by the Board, at an earlier meeting, that the campus was neither academically nor financially sustainable.

It is planned that students will continue to be taught at the Cheshire campus until summer 2019.

The University has started a period of collective consultation with representatives of the University’s recognised trade unions (UCU, UNISON, GMB).