Speaker of the House visits University to hear plans for growth, skills and green innovation

The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, visited the University of Wolverhampton on Thursday 16 April for a tour of its city campus and discussions about the University’s role in driving regional regeneration, skills and sustainable growth.

During the visit, Sir Lindsay met with senior leaders, staff and students, and was briefed on the University’s ambitious development plans, including its long-term Estates Masterplan and the emerging Green Innovation Corridor, which aims to support clean growth, green skills and innovation across the Black Country.

The visit comes at a time of growing momentum for the University, which has recently been named a finalist in five categories at the 2026 Whatuni Student Choice Awards - the UK’s largest student‑led awards, based on student reviews.

Welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Ebrahim Adia, Sir Lindsay was joined by local MPs Sureena Brackenridge and Warinder Juss, as well as colleagues from across the University. The visit included a presentation on the University’s civic mission, followed by a walking tour of the city campus and opportunities to meet students and staff.

The University’s Estates Masterplan sets out a clear vision to reshape and modernise its estate over the coming years, ensuring facilities are fit for future learners, research and industry collaboration while reducing costs, improving sustainability and strengthening links with local partners.

Alongside this, the University is playing a leading role in the development of a Green Innovation Corridor, working with businesses, local authorities and regional partners to support low-carbon technologies, green jobs and innovation-led growth. The initiative reflects the University’s commitment to placing sustainability at the heart of teaching, research and civic engagement.

Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said:

“It was a real pleasure to welcome Sir Lindsay Hoyle to our campus and share how the University is stepping up as a civic leader for Wolverhampton and the Black Country.

“Our Estates Masterplan and Green Innovation Corridor are about far more than buildings or infrastructure - they are about creating opportunity, supporting skills and innovation, and ensuring that higher education plays a central role in the region’s future prosperity.”

During the campus tour, Sir Lindsay also heard about the University’s work with communities, employers and public sector partners, including its focus on widening participation, producing work-ready graduates and supporting inclusive economic growth across the Black Country.