Huw Lewis, Minister for Education and Skills
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
I am pleased to announce that I have today signed an Order to dissolve Swansea Metropolitan University's Higher Education Corporation. The Order was laid before the National Assembly on 11 July. Subject to the completion of the usual statutory processes, the Order will come into force on 1 August 2013. It will dissolve the Swansea Metropolitan University Higher Education Corporation and transfer that institution's property, rights and liabilities to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). Upon merger, the new institution will continue to be known as the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
My decision to make the Order follows a period of consultation with the institutions concerned, and with other stakeholders. Having considered the institutions' business case for the merger, together with the issues raised by stakeholders and all other relevant information available, I believe that the decision to dissolve Swansea Metropolitan and merge with UWTSD is the right one.
The process of integrating the two institutions has been under way for some time, building on initial discussions held in 2010. Their move towards merger was also reflected in one of the recommendations set out in HEFCW's report, Future Structure of Universities in Wales. The creation of the new institution marks another significant step towards meeting our commitment to establishing a smaller number of stronger universities in Wales. I wish the new university every success.