The new ‘Multiversity’ site in Blackpool marks a pivotal moment for local education and urban development.
- Submitted plans reveal a 115,000 sq ft building poised to host 3,000 students and staff.
- The architectural design emphasises sustainability with carbon-neutral operations.
- The campus will support a variety of educational levels, aligning with local job demands.
- Plans include a public green space and infrastructure enhancements for the area.
Plans for a new state-of-the-art education campus in Blackpool town centre have been submitted for final approval. This ‘Multiversity’ campus is set to become the new home for Blackpool and The Fylde College, offering a significant boost to the local education landscape by accommodating up to 3,000 students and staff in its expansive design.
The campus, covering 115,000 sq ft over five floors, is a substantial investment in higher education. It will provide more than 70 different courses, enhancing the college’s existing educational offerings to meet local employment needs. This initiative is expected to support a wide array of qualifications, spanning further education, higher education, and adult learning, thereby responding to the diverse needs of the community.
Architecturally, the building will feature a high-gloss terracotta tiled facade and extensive glass walls. The plan includes landscaping to introduce greenery into the town centre, transforming the area into a vibrant public square. This initiative aims to complement similar green projects around the new Department for Work and Pensions office, further enhancing Blackpool’s urban environment.
The building is designed to operate as a carbon-neutral entity, incorporating solar panels, sustainable air source heat pumps, and a green roof terrace, which provides students with a landscaped space for studying and relaxation. Additional amenities include limited parking and secure cycle storage, encouraging sustainable transportation.
Advised by planning consultants Avison Young, architects HawkinsBrown, and CBRE, the project involves collaboration with Morgan Sindall Construction as the main contractors under a pre-contract service agreement. The council has already obtained outline planning approval for an extensive education and commercial area, with a second phase planned for future expansion. Current efforts include land acquisition, with over 60% of properties already purchased and ongoing negotiations with remaining owners. A public inquiry concerning a Compulsory Purchase Order is scheduled for November.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, attests to the project’s long-term benefits, highlighting both educational and environmental advancements. She also underscores the council’s ongoing support for residents affected by the development. Alun Francis OBE, chief executive at Blackpool and The Fylde College, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s progress, emphasising its significance to Blackpool’s urban regeneration.
This development is part of a broader £350 million regeneration project around Blackpool North train station, the Talbot Gateway area, which aims to welcome over 8,000 professionals and students. Recent updates in the area include the opening of a Holiday Inn hotel and a Marco Pierre White restaurant, alongside a tram-train interchange. Full planning permission has been granted for additional office spaces, signalling a transformative period for Blackpool’s infrastructure and economy.
The Blackpool ‘Multiversity’ campus represents a substantial step forward in educational and urban development, promising significant enhancements for the town centre and its community.
