Final plans for Blackpool’s innovative ‘Multiversity’ campus have been submitted, marking a significant step in the town’s educational development.
- The campus will house Blackpool and The Fylde College, accommodating 3,000 students and staff in a state-of-the-art facility.
- Spanning five floors, the campus will support over 70 courses, enhancing both further and higher education in line with local employment needs.
- Designed to be carbon neutral, the campus features sustainable technology and green public spaces to benefit the community.
- Land acquisition is ongoing, with efforts to support affected residents as the project advances.
The submission of final plans for the ‘Multiversity’ campus signifies a critical milestone for Blackpool. This ambitious project aims to revitalise the town centre by establishing a modern educational hub for Blackpool and The Fylde College. Expected to accommodate up to 3,000 students and staff, the new campus will integrate educational enhancements with community benefits.
Constructed across 115,000 square feet and five floors, the ‘Multiversity’ campus will offer an impressive array of over 70 courses. This educational facility prioritises offerings that align closely with the local workforce’s needs, thereby promoting employability and skill development. Furthermore, the campus supports an array of educational pathways from further and higher education to adult learning, thus broadening access to quality education.
In addition to its academic endeavours, the campus promises architectural sophistication and environmental responsibility. A facade featuring high-gloss terracotta tiles and floor-to-ceiling glass will characterise the building, while sustainable features such as solar panels and air source heat pumps aim for carbon neutrality. It will also house a landscaped green roof terrace, enhancing student experience.
The development will include strategically designed green spaces, integrating trees, flowering plants, and grassy areas to create a public square. This complements the broader environmental improvements planned for the area, offering residents and students a green retreat within the urban landscape. Several facilities such as secure cycle storage and limited parking for staff will be provided.
The project is part of the £350 million regeneration of the Talbot Gateway area. This includes the recently opened Holiday Inn hotel, a Marco Pierre White restaurant, and significant civil service hubs slated for the near future. Land acquisition for the ‘Multiversity’ is robustly progressing, supported by a £9 million government grant, easing the financial pathway to realise the project’s grand vision.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, acknowledges the complexities involved in the land assembly process, particularly emphasising the council’s commitment to supporting displaced residents. Efforts are in place to offer adequate assistance to those required to relocate due to development needs. Additionally, the planned developments around the Talbot Gateway promise further economic and infrastructural growth, benefitting a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
Alun Francis OBE, chief executive at Blackpool and The Fylde College, expressed optimism about the project’s trajectory, underscoring the institution’s enthusiasm for the impending transformation within Blackpool. The ‘Multiversity’ is seen as a foundation for educational excellence in the region, poised to bring significant academic and economic advantages.
The ‘Multiversity’ campus in Blackpool marks a pivotal development for local education and community growth, reinforcing the town’s strategic regeneration efforts.
