Goldsmiths and Lewisham Council commit to working together to drive local economy, education and creativity

A new partnership between Goldsmiths, University of London and Lewisham Council will see the two working together to bring economic, educational and community achievement to the area.

The university and council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost links between the two south London organisations.

The move will increase Goldsmiths’ involvement with communities and sees Goldsmiths recognised as the council’s preferred higher education partner. As part of the MoU students at Goldsmiths will be encouraged to engage more widely in local communities through voluntary schemes and by working with local assemblies.

Goldsmiths will also take a lead role in the Lewisham skills economy by supporting and encouraging young people and adult learners in the borough to progress to higher education with a clear application route to the university.

The agreement will also see Goldsmiths become a key driver of Lewisham’s economy by working with the council to help support business start-ups and the creation of enterprise hubs.

The council already has a network of enterprise hubs in Deptford, Catford and Ladywell opening this summer. To further support the new start-ups and small businesses with the potential to grow, a £1million bid has been lodged with the European Regional Development Fund. Academics from Goldsmiths will look to deliver masterclasses for entrepreneurs, mentoring and world-leading university expertise.

(Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock and the Warden of Goldsmiths, Patrick Loughrey)

Patrick Loughrey, Warden of Goldsmiths, said: “We are immensely proud of being part of Lewisham. From our foundation nearly 125 years ago we have always drawn energy and inspiration from our surroundings – and given back so much to the community in and around our home in New Cross.

“This partnership means we can build on these foundations to help bring even more opportunity, empowerment and success to the borough.”

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock said: “We are very lucky and privileged to have one of the UK’s most prestigious and high profile universities in our borough.

“The student community has long benefited from what Goldsmiths has to offer through its quality education programmes and this partnership ensures that the whole community will continue to benefit in the years to come in a variety of ways.”