Professor Tim Wheeler, the University of Chester’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “Although its progress will be subject to funding being available, this proposal clearly represents a significant opportunity for the Wirral.

“Under the proposals, the Higher Education centre would be part of ambitious plans for a new multi-million-pound Wirral Learning Zone, also incorporating a new Further Education campus and a Special Educational Needs teaching facility.

“The Learning Zone would be at the heart of the proposed Wirral Waters development, a £4.5bn, thirty-year inward investment programme.

“We believe the centre would achieve long-term, sustainable developments for local people, local businesses, and the communities residing and working on the Wirral.”

The university worked with Wirral Council, Wirral Metropolitan College and the North West Development Agency to develop the proposal.

Wirral Council leader, Cllr Steve Foulkes, said: “This is fantastic news and a real vote of confidence in our plans to drive forward the educational aspirations of Wirral’s young people.

“This is also great news for our ambitions for Wirral Waters, which is key to the council’s investment strategy.”