Multiversity campus planned for Blackpool

A 'multiversity' is to open in Blackpool, designed to be a world-class learning facility which will support skills growth in Lancashire.

The project is led by Blackpool Council, Blackpool & The Fylde College and Lancaster University, and has been allocated up to £10m as part of Blackpool’s Town Deal to be used to develop the business case and seek additional sources of funding.

The Multiversity concept has been designed to provide high value employment and support regional businesses in upskilling their workforces through high quality technical and professional training and education.

It will provide employers with access to training programmes which line up with the government's Industry Strategy and its Grand Challenges focusing on transforming the nation's future. Artificial Intelligence and data, an ageing society, clean growth and the future of mobility will all be part of the course portfolio offered through the Multiversity.

Two local companies, Blackpool-based Joseph Boniface Architects Ltd and Freckleton-based Chartered Building Consultancy Leeming Associates, will support the project lead, Manchester-based Hawkins\Brown. CBRE and Amion will also provide support for the project.

The team will develop a detailed masterplan for the campus, incorporating a wide range of studies including looking at student behaviour and spending habits, viability and feasibility studies, in-depth site analysis and how the new campus needs to work in a post-Covid world of learning.

Ian Barker, Special Projects Manager for Blackpool and The Fylde College, “The benefits of a university campus in a town centre location will create a new interaction between students and businesses, encouraging new life and vitality, a year round vibrant economy and new spending habits through events and activities in and around the campus. The Multiversity will importantly help and support over 1,000 new additional learners on the Fylde Coast.”

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