UCLan Masterplan invests in local economy

A report on the highways work taking place as part of the University of Central Lancashire’s £200m Masterplan shows that 96 per cent of the cost has been spent with local SMEs.

The main contractor, Balfour Beatty, has awarded contracts solely to companies based within 40 miles of the construction site, and 96p of every pound spent has been with small and medium sized firms.

Work so far has included replacing the old Adelphi roundabout with a safer link road between Fylde Road and Friargate, in addition to installing new footpaths and trees to create a greener environment around the campus.

Graeme Moffat, Balfour Beatty operations manager, said: "We are deeply committed to delivering significant benefit to the communities in which we operate.

"In addition to spending over £4m with local SMEs since 2019, we have hired nine graduates and apprentices across the highways improvements project, created twelve new jobs and provided seventy weeks of paid work experience to local people, as well as working with over 2,500 local students via virtual events and participating in twelve volunteer days around the city."

Michael Ahern, UCLan’s chief information and infrastructure officer, said: "As a university, we are always keen to make sure that we support the local economy around Preston, and in hiring our contractors for the Masterplan we were keen that they held the same local values.

"Balfour Beatty, along with Student Centre contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, have embraced this and made sure that the entire city can benefit out of the Masterplan, from students to local businesses, neighbours and residents."

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