A FORMER office block has now officially opened as the new Chester University campus in the heart of Warrington town centre.

Supported by the Nubian Jak Community Trust, the campus, located on Barbauld Street, has been allocated a prestigious blue plaque after being named the Sarah Parker Remond House, in honour of the renowned lecturer, physician and women's rights campaigner.

Remond was a free-born anti-slavery activist and her series of lectures held in Warrington in the early 1800s spoke of her commitment to education, human rights, and women’s suffrage.

She travelled to Europe and spent several months in Warrington where she delivered a number of lectures on the abolition of slavery and the need for equal rights for all people.

Her speeches were well-received, and she quickly became a popular figure in the town. She also formed close ties with the local community, including several prominent Warrington residents who were also active in the abolitionist movement.

Warrington Guardian: Dr Jak Beula, from the Nubian Jak Community Trust was in attendance of the ceremonyDr Jak Beula, from the Nubian Jak Community Trust was in attendance of the ceremony (Image: Supplied)

A ceremony was held at the new campus to commemorate the unveiling of the blue plaque with Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Jean Flaherty in attendance.

The ceremony also officially launched the opening of the new campus from its former sit in Padgate.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons said: “It is exciting to see this move into the town come to fruition and the University is extremely proud to be a part of such a welcoming town that continues to go from strength to strength.

“Sarah Parker Remond House is a site dedicated to teaching the vital services that are the backbone of every community – education, health, social care and policing and we are delighted to have worked with Nubian Jak Community Trust to highlight the story of such an inspirational agent of change, not only right here in Warrington but across the UK.

“Sarah Remond’s legacy is one that deserves to be celebrated and remembered, and the installation of a blue plaque in her honour is fitting tribute to her remarkable legacy and a significant step in ensuring that her story is not forgotten.”

Warrington Guardian: The campus was named after the anti-slavery activist, Sarah Parker Remond, who spent time giving lectures in Warrington on women's right and the anti-slavery movement.The campus was named after the anti-slavery activist, Sarah Parker Remond, who spent time giving lectures in Warrington on women's right and the anti-slavery movement. (Image: Supplied)

Dr Jak Beula, from the Nubian Jak Community Trust, added: “It's remarkable that a woman born 197 years ago was able to overcome the hurdles of racism and sexism, on her way to becoming an international renown lecturer, physician and feminist icon for the ages.

“Nubian Jak would like to salute the University Centre Warrington for recognising Sarah Parker Remond with a blue heritage plaque and having a building at the University of Chester named in her honour.”

The event also marked the official opening of the University’s Time Square location – a prominent town centre hub for the University Centre Warrington, which offers small lecture spaces, study zones, as well as spaces to connect for students, businesses, schools, colleges, and the local community.

Professor Simmons added: “These buildings are the physical embodiment of our vision for the future of higher education in Warrington. They show our growing commitment to creating new opportunities to support the local economy with a highly educated and skilled work force.”