Lancashire Energy HQ gets green light

A dedicated training hub for the energy industry has moved a step closer to reality after being given the go-ahead by planners.

Blackpool and The Fylde College has been advised of permission to build the Lancashire Energy HQ, which is set to become the flagship of the new Blackpool Enterprise Zone.

Construction will start in summer 2016 and complete in the autumn of 2017, the college will become a centre of excellence for the county and beyond, delivering the higher technical skills, knowledge and training required by the energy sector.

“The college already has a proven reputation in this field. Fleetwood Nautical Campus has more than 20 years of experience working with both on and off-shore energy sectors. The Lancashire Energy HQ will build on this, adding green and renewable energy technology to the provision offered.

“Lancashire is already a world leader in the energy sector and there is huge potential for further development. The energy hub will train the skilled workforce this sector needs which, in turn, will encourage energy firms to invest in Blackpool and Lancashire as a whole. “This is only one of a number of high quality training facilities the LEP is funding in the county which will boost the job prospects of thousands of local people and ensure we have the skilled workforce we need to fuel economic growth.”