Bolton and Manchester universities feud over proposed name change

The University of Bolton has faced backlash from the University of Manchester for plans to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester, a decision that has attracted criticism from locals, alumni, and councillors.

The University says it is seeking the name change to reflect its growing presence in the region beyond Bolton. The University has a presence in Trafford, central Manchester, and Wigan, with plans to move into Bury.

Speaking to The Bolton News, Professor George Holmes, the University of Bolton’s Vice Chancellor, said: “The new title will more accurately portray what the University has become in recent years; serving and operating in the whole area of Greater Manchester, not just one borough within it”.

He added: “Our main campus, along with several other campuses, is spread throughout Greater Manchester, and almost 70 per cent of our students reside permanently at a Greater Manchester address”.

It is difficult to maintain the argument that it is confusing, when in London 17 universities exist cheek-by-jowl and no one goes to the wrong university

Professor George Holmes, Bolton Vice Chancellor

Responding to the proposal, the University of Manchester has called the plans “very misleading and confusing.” It has indicated it intends to object to the move.

A spokesperson for the University told Times Higher Education: “We are responding to the formal consultation regarding the proposed name change and will be registering our concerns. We believe the proposed name change will be very misleading and confusing.”

Professor Holmes objected to this argument, however. He drew comparisons with universities in London, saying: “It is difficult to maintain the argument that it is confusing, when in London 17 universities exist cheek-by-jowl and no one goes to the wrong university.”

Members of Bolton Council have also weighed in, with Labour Council leader Nick Peel claiming that the leaders of all parties share his opposition to the proposal. He said that keeping Bolton in the university’s title was “non-negotiable”.

He did suggest his own “win-win” compromise for the university, featuring both Bolton and Greater Manchester in the name.

I won’t be telling people I attended the University of Greater Manchester. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it

Michelle Bamford, former Bolton student

Cllr John Walsh, a Conservative member of Bolton Council, similarly opposed the plans. He said: “We should be proud of our heritage and our history and the university, which stems from the institute of technology and a predecessor of the engineering school – all Bolton named and based.”

Michelle Bamford, a former Bolton student, said: “I’m proud to be a University of Bolton alumni. I won’t be telling people I attended the University of Greater Manchester. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

The consultation is expected to end in May, with a decision set to follow in August. If approved, the University of Bolton hopes to use the new name by September.

The University first opened as Bolton Mechanics’ Institute in 1824. It changed its name to the Bolton Mechanics’ Institute of Higher Education in 1982 and gained university status in 2004.