12 IN VIEW
MULTIVERSITY CHALLENGE IS OVERCOME By Rob Kelly
Work to build Blackpool’s £65m Multiversity town centre campus is set to get underway later this year with the development opening its doors to students in late 2027.
The timetable follows an independent inspector granting Blackpool Council compulsory purchase powers.
It will allow the local authority to acquire the remaining land and properties required to unlock the project.
Those behind the Multiversity project say it will bring up to 3,000 students and staff into
Blackpool town centre. The decision from the independent planning inspector followed a two- week public inquiry at the end of last year.
It heard submissions from the council and the college as well as people living in the area and land owners.
Over the last two years, Blackpool Council has been buying properties through negotiation, with more than 80 per cent of the required 72 properties already acquired.
The inspector’s decision allows the local authority to use compulsory purchase powers to secure the remaining properties in the area.
In a statement the council said it “will continue to negotiate with owners of the remaining properties to agree the compensation to be paid.
“However, the council will use the compulsory purchase powers to enable construction of the Multiversity to start in the summer.”
Council leader Lynn Williams said: “The Multiversity is a major part of our plans to make Blackpool better, by bringing thousands of students into the town centre, creating a more vibrant town centre economy and jobs for local people.
The Multiversity site
“Over the last two years, our staff have worked exceptionally hard to buy properties and support the people who have had to move house as a result.
“There are some properties where we haven’t been able to agree a price so far with the owners and the compulsory purchase order process means they would be independently valued to determine a final price if we are unable to reach agreement.
“Throughout the process, we have aimed to be as understanding and supportive as possible to any residents who have had to move home as a result of the scheme. That support continues to be in place, and if anybody is concerned then they can contact us for help.”
Outline planning approval for the Multiversity site was granted in 2024, with a decision on a reserved matters planning application for the first phase of the project expected this spring.
The 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 will also support a wide range of qualifications, from further education, through to higher education and adult learning.
The Multiversity makes up phase four of Blackpool Council’s £350m regeneration of the Talbot Gateway area around Blackpool North train station, which is bringing more than 8,000 professional workers and students into the area.
FUNDING SECURED FOR BURNLEY COLLEGE’S DIGITAL INNOVATION CYBER PROJECT – A TRANSFORMATIONAL STEP
The digital age has brought immense opportunity, but it has also exposed vulnerabilities that demand urgent and sustained action. At Burnley College, we recognise this challenge and the responsibility it entails.
The recent funding secured for our Digital Innovation Cyber Project is more than just financial support – it’s an acknowledgment of Burnley College’s leadership in cyber education and our unwavering commitment to fostering resilience in our communities.
With CyberFirst Gold status already under our belt, this new milestone reflects years of dedication to delivering excellence in cybersecurity training. The launch of this project couldn’t come at a more critical time.
Our reliance on technology continues to deepen and with it, the severity of cyber threats grows. Yet, nearly half of UK businesses report a cyber skills shortage. This gap isn’t just a statistic; it’s a glaring risk to business continuity and economic growth.
Maz Iqbal, Computer science tutor, Burnley College
The Cyber Project is designed to address this challenge head-on, equipping apprentices and vulnerable individuals with essential cyber security skills.
Our principal Karen Buchanan, who has a strong background in digital technologies, summed it up perfectly when she said:
miqbal@burnley.ac.uk
“This funding allows us to provide cutting- edge expertise, ensuring that individuals entering the workforce are prepared for the challenges of the digital age.”
At Burnley College, we don’t just teach; we prepare future professionals to lead, innovate and protect.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond skills development. It enhances local resilience, creating a robust pipeline of cyber experts ready to fortify businesses across Lancashire.
We’re committed to ensuring that industries and communities are equipped to defend against these growing threats.
This funding is a step toward a safer digital future. It’s a reminder that education is not only about knowledge; it’s about progress, protection, and opportunity. Together, we are building foundations for a secure tomorrow.
Do you feel you have enough cyber skills to protect yourself online? Let me know –
miqbal@burnley.ac.uk
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