We’re delighted to see the construction now underway on Blackpool and The Fylde College’s new Multiversity campus. This is a major development that will bring real energy and opportunity into the heart of the town centre.
By 2028, the new campus is expected to bring around 3,000 students, apprentices and staff into Blackpool, all based at a brand-new 115,000 sq ft learning hub offering more than 70 courses spanning further education, higher education and adult learning.
For us, this is exactly the kind of investment that supports a thriving town centre. More students, apprentices and staff in the area each day means more footfall, more custom for local businesses, and a stronger, more vibrant town centre throughout the week!
The bigger picture
The Multiversity forms part of the much larger transformation taking shape around Blackpool North station as part of the Talbot Gateway regeneration.
Altogether, this wider programme is expected to bring more than 8,000 workers and students into the town centre – a huge boost for footfall, local trade and the overall vibrancy of the area.
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.”
Alun Francis, Chair of the Social Mobility Commission and Chief Executive of Blackpool and The Fylde College, added:
“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 has also confirmed the campus will support flexible learning through the government’s Lifelong Learning Entitlement, giving people the chance to upskill or retrain at any stage of their career – a real boost for the local talent pool that businesses in the town centre can draw on.
How is the project being delivered?
Construction is being delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction, which previously carried out demolition and site clearance on the site.
The land for the development was secured through a £9m government grant under Blackpool’s Town Deal programme, with a further £40m of government funding awarded for construction in 2023. This funding has since been brought together under the Local Regeneration Fund.
The Multiversity is phase four of Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway regeneration programme, and it’s another sign of the long-term investment helping to shape a stronger future for Blackpool town centre.