FUNDING has been secured for a new £33 million university campus in Stratford.

The joint scheme between the University of East London (UEL), Birkbeck College and Newham Sixth Form College will see the creation of a building for 3,400 students.

Known as the Stratford Island University Centre, the campus will be located in what is referred to a ‘cultural quarter’ close to the Olympic Park and Stratford City development on the Leyton border.

The Higher Education Funding Council has provided £8 million, while the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) has contributed £4 million.

The remaining money will be provided by the partners themselves.

The funding secured this week will ensure that the building can open in August 2013.

Sir Deian Hopkins, Interim vice chancellor of UEL said: "UEL has always been committed to delivering opportunities to local people. We look forward to working with our partners in this exciting project to continue doing just that."

The two universities have a history of cooperation, with the University of London college using UEL’s Stratford campus to deliver its part-time evening teaching provision since 2007.

UEL and Newham Sixth Form College have offered joint programs since 1999.

The campus will provide full and part-time courses during the day and evening in subjects such as law, performing arts, accounting, digital media and history.

Peter Andrews, LTGDC chief executive said: "Successful regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar but also investing in the skills of local people.

“In combining their talent, proud traditions and demonstrated expertise in opening up educational opportunities, UEL and Birkbeck's partnership represents a substantial contribution to tackling the regional skills gap and ensuring that the benefits of regeneration and jobs growth are shared by all."

Prof David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck said: "We are delighted that this project is going ahead, enabling non-traditional students from east London to enjoy the opportunities of higher education, carrying on George Birkbeck's mission which he started in 1823."