UCLan to expand Burnley presence

The University of Central Lancashire is planning a ten-fold increase in student numbers at its Burnley campus.

Working in collaboration with its strategic partners Burnley Borough Council and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, and alongside the Burnley Bondholders group of influential local business leaders, the provision will be designed to meet the existing and emerging needs of Burnley and across the East Lancashire region.

The number of students in the town will rise from under 400 to 2,000 by 2021 and 4,000 by 2025.

Subject areas will include a range of business and professional disciplines, health and social care, and digital and technical provision, and will include degree apprenticeships as well as traditional degrees at both undergraduate and masters levels.

The new provision will be distributed across the University’s existing Burnley Campus, Burnley General Hospital and the newly acquired Victoria Mill, subject to contract.

Pro-chancellor and chair of the University Board David Taylor said: “This investment in Burnley is an exciting development which demonstrates our commitment as a university to Burnley and Pennine Lancashire and to helping to be a force for economic growth and social mobility across the county and beyond.”

Leader of Burnley Borough Council Mark Townsend said: “We’re delighted that the university has made a long-term commitment to grow in Burnley. We’re looking forward to working with the university as we truly become a university town. It’s such an important icon for our town, to raise the aspirations of our young people, and to provide the higher level skills that will drive our local economy to even greater things.

“I am also extremely pleased that UCLan has, subject to contract, secured Victoria Mill (the former UTC building), as their presence will help to revitalise that part of the Weavers’ Triangle.” The implementation of the plans will be overseen by UCLan’s recently appointed Provost for Burnley, Dr Ebrahim Adia.