Since its founding in 1949 as the first new UK university of the 20th century, Keele University has stood apart for its rich culture, progressive thinking, and historical significance. Long before that, Keele Hall, built in 1580, anchored the campus with centuries of heritage. During the Second World War, the site played a crucial role when the US 83rd Division of the American army was stationed there in 1940. By 1969, Keele had earned the reputation of being “the most original innovation in British university education in the 20th century.”
Now, in January 2025, the university adds a bold new chapter to its story: Keele in Town.
Located in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme, the once-empty 19th-century building on Ironmarket has been transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use hub. The space is designed to foster connection between the university and the local community, offering a relaxed environment where Keele students, staff, and Staffordshire businesses can come together. A new café is also set to open soon, further enhancing the social and collaborative potential of the space.
One of the standout features of Keele in Town is its legal advice clinic, where Keele Law students—trained and supervised by qualified solicitors—offer free legal assistance to the public. The clinic, run on a pro bono basis and supported by LawWorks, currently operates two services: a Commercial Clinic and a Small Claims Clinic. These offer guidance on a range of everyday legal issues, from disputes over faulty products to services delivered below acceptable standards.
Keele in Town is currently open Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 4pm, and already stands as a symbol of Keele’s commitment to community engagement, student opportunity, and social responsibility.
