Blackpool Council has selected Morgan Sindall Construction as the lead contractor for an ambitious £65m educational campus in the heart of the town, marking a significant step in local regeneration efforts.
- The campus will bring 3,000 students and staff to Blackpool’s centre, as part of Blackpool & the Fylde College’s relocation from an existing site.
- Construction will occur in phases, starting with the educational building, with plans including future commercial developments.
- Designed to be carbon-neutral, the project advances the Talbot Gateway regeneration, enhancing the town’s infrastructure.
- This initiative is a critical milestone in local development, promising improved educational facilities and economic benefits.
Blackpool Council has entrusted Morgan Sindall Construction to spearhead the construction of a pioneering £65 million educational campus in Blackpool’s town centre. This decision forms part of the broader Talbot Gateway regeneration scheme, envisioned to revitalise the area and inject economic vitality.
The new development, coined ‘Multiversity,’ promises to attract a vibrant mix of 3,000 students and staff. Blackpool & the Fylde College plans to transfer from their current, less central location to this state-of-the-art campus, strategically situated on Cookson Street.
The project’s initial phase focuses on establishing the main educational building, with subsequent stages proposing additional commercial spaces. Planned expansions hint at a significant transformation around Milbourne Street and Grosvenor Street, aligning with initial approvals granted in April 2024.
Architects HawkinsBrown have designed the Multiversity to operate with net-zero carbon emissions, ensuring the project not only meets present educational needs but also adheres to future environmental standards. This aligns with broader sustainability goals within urban planning.
Morgan Sindall’s selection followed a competitive tendering process via the Pagabo framework, underscoring their esteemed reputation in educational construction. Cllr Mark Smith emphasised the need for a capable firm to realise this large-scale undertaking.
The college’s principal, Alun Francis, remarked on Morgan Sindall’s appointment as a pivotal progression for Blackpool and the Fylde coast. The venture aims to furnish local students with advanced skills and cultivate a more bustling town centre.
This educational complex marks the fourth phase of Blackpool Council’s extensive £350 million revitalisation strategy surrounding the vicinity of Blackpool North train station, anticipated to significantly impact local infrastructure and economy.
The development of the new campus is poised to enhance educational opportunities and stimulate Blackpool’s economy.
