Multiversity
A £65m Levelling Up Fund supported world-class university experience will be delivered, facilitating higher level upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning. The scheme, is town centre based and close to the train station and tram interchange, will free up the existing college site for residential development. The new build will be carbon neutral in operation.
The Multiversity campus will be delivered through a partnership involving Blackpool Council and Blackpool and the Fylde College in association with Lancaster University. It will be a unique proposition, providing a cutting-edge response to local, regional, and national priorities, designed to accommodate up to 3000 learners. Key benefits include:
- Improving skills and opportunities – The investment in a new, high-quality, purpose-built educational facility will provide an unrivalled learning environment, encouraging more learners to choose to continue with their education in Blackpool. A tailored curriculum, catering for needs of employers in order to fill skills gaps across the Fylde coast, means the Multiversity, by virtue of what is taught there, will link directly to employment opportunities
- Supporting town centre regeneration – The development of the Multiversity adjacent to the town centre will complement other major developments, including the developments at Talbot Gateway, the extension to the Houndshill Shopping Centre and the new Winter Gardens Conference and Exhibition Centre, in providing year-round footfall into the town centre, reducing the impacts of seasonality
- Built environment uplift – The Multiversity’s development will provide uplift to an area that has not previously benefitted from significant investment, improving the area significantly
The overall project to deliver the Multiversity is underpinned by six key project objectives:
- Injection of a new life to the heart of Blackpool
- Embed holistically into the town centre
- Allow people to up-skill through life through enabling more people to gain higher level qualifications each year
- Raise the college profile in the town and beyond
- Create an iconic building that sings Blackpool
- Increased footfall in the town centre to encourage regeneration
Main application bid document [PDF 824KB]
Stanley Buildings
Work has begun to transform Stanley Buildings into a thriving business hub. centre of excellence for entrepreneurs and a focal point for the growth of small businesses.
As part of Blackpool’s successful £39.5m bid into the government’s Town Deal fund, the building will be converetd into a centre of excellence for entrepreneurs and a focal point for the growth of small businesses.
Situated on a triangular plot between Caunce Street, Church Street and Cookson Street, the heritage building was built in 1935. Renovation works will protect the heritage of one of the town’s historic listed buildings, restoring it to its former glory.
The £7.5m project will convert vacant and derelict upper floor space into 44 modern offices and state of the art meeting facilities, creating a vibrant home for small businesses.
Parts of the ground floor will be altered to create an extensive co-working space offering a choice of flexible hot desk and meeting spaces.
Existing tenants and future businesses will reap the benefits of a vibrant, modern and affordable workspace, with full-fibre internet connectivity.
Built in 1935, it was designed by the renowned Borough architect, John Charles Robinson, famous for a wide range of civic buildings such as Derby Baths and South Shore Open Air Baths, many libraries, offices and leisure amenities.
The project is being developed in line with Blackpool Council’s net-zero objective with both air source heat pumps and solar panels installed to power the office spaces.
The Platform
The Platform is a new service for 16 to 24 year olds to help them find a job, access training or education.
We have a new team of friendly employment advisers who work with you to ensure that you get support with things like CV writing, interview techniques, confidence building, arranging work experience placements, education and training and linking in with local job opportunities.
If you live in Blackpool, are currently unemployed and need any help with any of the above please do get in touch.
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Schools
Plans to transform education to enable children to thrive and achieve their potential are at the heart of a new ten-year education strategy.
The Education Vision and Strategy 2020-30 sets out the ambition to provide the highest quality education and improve outcomes for children and families in Blackpool.
The vision is the result of a joint effort from Blackpool Council and the partners within the Blackpool Education Improvement Board (BEIB).
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