The leadership of Bradford University changed hands when vice-chancellor Professor Chris Taylor retired after nearly six years in the role.

Prof Taylor, 64, told the Telegraph & Argus of his deep admiration for a city which he knew little about when he took on the job in October 2001.

He said: "I was born in Leeds and didn't really understand the city. One of the great pleasures of the job has been to learn about the long and distinguished history of Bradford.

"There is a strong heart beating and a commitment to the city from its people which is quite special. When I took up office in October 2001 we had had the Bradford riots and then the Ouseley Report came out five days later.

"It was a dramatic time. Bradford was at its nadir to say the least. And that challenged the university.

"The city and the university have to work together. The year after the riots applications fell by 25 per cent. To a university that is a potential disaster.

"But I now see the city in a very positive light and things are improving. It will take something significant now to disturb that process."

Prof Taylor, who lives in Huby near Otley, paid tribute to Bradford Centre Regeneration (BCR), which he said had been the "driver for the changes we are seeing in the city".

He added the university had done itself proud' over the last five years after clear aims were identified.

"Our whole objective should be to support our students as best we can and I think that has now come about," he said.

He identified the institution's new £5 million atrium; The Hub, a pioneering one-stop information shop catering for students' administration and support needs and growing the student body to about 12,000 as highlights of his tenureship. He was also proud of the university's "extremely successful" international programme which has led to students from around the globe coming to study in the city. They now make up 22 per cent of the student body.

He said success had been achieved in developing the institution's estate, and added he was looking forward to seeing the new "sustainable student village" take shape. "It has been a good time for the university and a good time for me," he added.

Prof Taylor, a mechanical engineer by trade, is a graduate of the universities of London and Leeds. He took up an academic appointment at the University of Leeds in 1971 and has since published 150 learned papers and books.

Professor Mark Cleary, deputy vice-chancellor at Plymouth University, will take on the role of vice-chancellor at Bradford from Tuesday.

e-mail: dan.webber@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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