UK universities currently face three main challenges, related to the linked factors of development, deficit and duty. This article focuses on the final feature in the context of the former two. Specifically, it addresses the potential and problems associated with university-community partnerships, distinguishing between concepts of "outreach" and "engagement" that have dominated the US experience of such an interface. Through a case study analysis of the University of Ulster's Springvale project, it explores a model for effective partnership between the community and tertiary education sectors in contemporary society.