Final design for Blackpool Multiversity submitted
Following Morgan Sindall's appointment by Blackpool Council to the Multiversity project this summer, via the Pagabo Framework, plans have now been submitted for final approval of this state-of-the-art town centre education campus,
The Multiversity campus will provide a new home for Blackpool and The Fylde College, bringing up to 3,000 students and staff into Blackpool town centre.
The 115,000 sq. ft building will include five floors of education space to deliver more than 70 individual courses and enhance the college’s existing higher education provision which is directly linked to local employment needs. It would also support a wide range of qualifications, from further education, through to higher education and adult learning.
The campus building will include a high-glossed terracotta tiled facade, along with floor to ceiling glass, while the surrounding area will also be greened up through landscaping and planting to create a public square.
The building itself is expected to be carbon neutral in operation, with solar panels on the roof of the building, and heated by sustainable air source heat pumps. A green roof terrace at the south of the building will also allow students to both study and relax in a landscaped environment.
The building will also include a small, dedicated parking area for staff, as well as secure cycle storage.
Avison Young have led as the planning consultants for the Multiversity, along with architects Hawkins\Brown and advisers CBRE. Blackpool Council has also appointed Morgan Sindall Construction as the main contractor on a pre-contact services agreement.
Outline planning approval for up to 32,600sqm of education and commercial space was granted for the whole Multiversity site earlier this year. In addition to the first phase Multiversity campus, a second phase immediately south will allow expansion space for the College’s future plans, or office space for the Talbot Gateway. In the short term, the space would be used as a temporary car park until funding is secured for the second phase.
The Multiversity makes up phase four of Blackpool Council’s £350m regeneration of the Talbot Gateway area around Blackpool North train station, which in total is bringing over 8,000 professional workers and students into the area.
The land for the new Multiversity is currently being acquired by Blackpool Council, with the support of a £9m Government grant while the construction was also awarded £40m from UK Government in 2023.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:
As well as bringing thousands of students into the town centre, helping our local people to complete qualifications and find quality work, it will also provide a green public square to the area, incorporating trees, flowers and grassy areas, which will complement the similar planting which will happen around the DWP office. It will be a great green area within the town centre.”
Alun Francis OBE, Chief Executive at Blackpool and the Fylde College, added:
We are really pleased with the progress being made to bring this amazing new facility into the heart of Blackpool. We look forward to sharing more details as the project progresses.”
Steven Gregory, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in the North West, said:
At Morgan Sindall, our purpose of creating and developing sustainable, high-quality facilities that benefit the community is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to making a positive impact through our projects, ensuring they serve the local needs of residents and contribute to a better future by creating opportunities, nurturing careers, and delivering long-lasting social value.
We are delighted with our appointment to the new Multiversity campus and look forward to applying our expertise to create an environment where every student can reach their full potential. We are excited to continue working alongside Blackpool Council and Blackpool and The Fylde College to provide an outstanding place for 3,000 students and staff.”