Work begins on Blackpool’s Multiversity campus

Construction has begun on Blackpool and The Fylde College’s new Multiversity campus, a major town centre development expected to bring 3,000 students, apprentices and staff into Blackpool by 2028.

The 115,000 sq ft campus will create a new learning hub in the town centre, offering more than 70 courses across further education, higher education and adult learning.

The development forms part of the wider regeneration of Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway area around Blackpool North station, which is expected to bring more than 8,000 workers and students into the town centre.

Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see construction begin on the new Multiversity campus.

“This marks another major milestone for the town, with the Multiversity playing a central role in our plans to make Blackpool an even better place to live, work and learn.

“Creating a new college campus in the heart of the town centre will provide real opportunities for local people to develop new skills, improve their employment prospects and raise aspirations.”

She added that the development would increase footfall, support local businesses and create new opportunities for residents.

Alun Francis said: “This is a defining moment for the Multiversity and for the future of education in Blackpool.

“This represents a bold statement of ambition for the town, creating a flagship development that strengthens our connection to the wider region as demand for higher-level skills continues to grow.

“Multiversity will introduce a new model for higher education, opening up more accessible routes into higher skills for people of all ages and backgrounds.”

The college said the campus would also support flexible learning through the government’s Lifelong Learning Entitlement, helping people upskill or retrain throughout their careers.

Construction is being delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction, which previously completed demolition and site clearance work.

The land for the development was acquired through a £9m government grant from Blackpool’s Town Deal programme, while construction secured a further £40m of government funding in 2023. The funding has since been combined into the Local Regeneration Fund.

The Multiversity project forms phase four of Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway regeneration programme.