Work to create a university campus in Barrow is set to begin later this year after the full plans were given the go-ahead.
The University of Cumbria campus is central to the creation of the Barrow Learning Quarter, part of the #BrilliantBarrow Town Deal. The BLQ aims to transform access to further and higher education and opportunities for those in the town and surrounding areas.
It will deliver, initially, programmes aligned to areas including advanced manufacturing, computing – including cyber security – and supply chain and logistics, the university said.
The university is also establishing an Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing. Professors Jill and Paul Stewart took up their new roles heading up the Institute last month – Jill as director and Paul as its founding professor of engineering and advanced manufacturing.
The University of Cumbria’s design partners, working with Barrow Borough Council planning officers, have resolved issues relating to drainage, car parking and accessibility after town planners granted support in principle for the scheme last October.
The university has received written confirmation that full planning consent, with conditions, has been granted.
Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said: “Building upon the academic programmes we already provide to many in and around Barrow, we and our partners including BAE Systems, Barrow Borough Council and Furness College are committed to realising our shared ambition of enhancing education opportunities across the area. The awarding of full planning permission is a significant milestone towards achieving our goals.
“A new university campus and the wider Barrow Learning Quarter will contribute to future growth and prosperity, driving our mission to transform lives and livelihoods in our communities. The campus will have innovative, inclusive facilities and provision, offering progression routes and pathways for young people and those who want to follow their passion and make a difference to others.”
The campus is designed by DAY Architectural Ltd and developed in collaboration with BAE Systems. It will be next to the Submarine Academy of Skills and Knowledge at BAE Systems, and it will be part-funded by a significant grant from the Government’s Town Deal initiative.
Described as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity, the BLQ also includes a Skills Hub at Furness College’s Rating Lane site.
Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, said: “This is, of course, fantastic news. This will make university a very real prospect for many people from across Furness, and helps our local area to retain, and attract people to our area, meeting the challenge of our declining and ageing population.
“This is exactly what levelling up is all about. Creating more opportunities for people right here in Furness.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing this project progress, and to being able to witness the completion of the construction of our very own university.
“My thanks go to all of my colleagues on the Brilliant Barrow Board, and to the University, and Furness College teams for making this happen.”
The campus is hoped to be completed in autumn 2024.
