THE UNIVERSITY of Brighton contributes nearly £700 million annually to the economy and supports more than 7,000 jobs, according to a new report.

The figures show a substantial growth between 2008 and 2009 when the university’s economic impact was last measured.

The value to the economy has risen by more than £100 million and the number of jobs it supports has grown by 1,000.

The research, commissioned by the university, was carried out by independent consultants specialising in the economic impact of higher education.

Professor Julian Crampton, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: “The findings confirm the university as one of the biggest employers in the region and highlight its importance to the local economy.

“In these economically challenging times it is crucial to show how important the University of Brighton is locally, regionally and nationally.

“Student spending alone is significant and we are seeing a growing number of international students coming here, while the number of visitors attracted to the city because of the student population is also increasing. All this has a positive impact on local businesses and services.”

The university is planning a £150 million redevelopment of the former Preston Barracks site in Brighton and a £10 million student accommodation building in Hastings.

The academic year put under the scrutiny of researchers saw the university attract more than 21,334 students - 10,881 from the South East, 7,453 from other parts of the UK and 3,000 from outside the country.

University and student spending was strongest in its campus centres.

In Brighton and Hove the university’s and students’ expenditures generated £483 million of output and more than 4,900 jobs – equivalent to nearly 4% of all employees.

In Eastbourne the university and students generated £96 million and 1,060 jobs in Eastbourne (2.8% of jobs) and in Hastings £27 million of output and more than 280 full-time jobs (nearly 1% of all jobs).

Overall, the university and students’ expenditure generated 7,085 jobs and £698 million of output in the region.

Besides direct expenditure for goods and services the university’s activities create a knock-on effect on the economy, with suppliers making purchases to supply the university, and employees spending their salaries on housing and living expenditure.