A contractor has been appointed to lead the development of the University of Cumbria’s new Barrow campus.
Family business Caddick Construction began work on the site this week.
The campus will deliver degree programmes aligned initially to areas such as computer science, business management and advanced manufacturing.
The Princess Royal visited the site in November 2023 and ceremonially broke ground on the project.
Mark Swindlehurst, the University of Cumbria’s chief operating officer, said: “This milestone takes us another step closer to developing the first university campus in Barrow.
“We’re delighted to be working with Caddick Construction and existing partners on a project serving our community in an area of such regional, national and international importance.
“Offering innovative, inclusive facilities and provision, this campus will help transform lives and communities for generations to come. The increased reach and accessibility of higher education in, for and from Barrow means that this campus will have a long-lasting impact, offering new opportunities and inspiration to so many who choose to live, visit, work and study in the area and beyond.”
Paul Dodsworth, managing director of Caddick Construction Group, added: “Over the years we have delivered a number of specialist education facilities and we’re pleased to be applying our expertise to the University of Cumbria’s new Barrow-in-Furness campus, while also extending our portfolio of work within the region.
“Forming part of our team’s preparations to start work onsite, we have been engaging with our local supply chain partners who will support our delivery of work in the coming weeks.”
Once complete, the facility will provide new teaching spaces, laboratory space, workshops, offices, catering facilities and new landscaping to the immediate area, along with new cycling and car parking facilities.
The Barrow Island campus scheme is being funded by the Government, BAE Systems and the University of Cumbria.
The campus, located on a 2.6-hectare site provided by BAE Systems next to its Submarine Academy of Skills and Knowledge, is part of the Barrow Learning Quarter being created to transform educational opportunities in the area. It also includes a new Skills Hub at Furness College’s sixth form campus.
The Barrow Learning Quarter is a significant scheme within the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal designed to help the town and surrounding area thrive.
In December, Westmorland and Furness Council entered into an agreement with the University of Cumbria to support the construction of the building in line with Government requirements.
Growing its academic provision and research, the University of Cumbria has created a new Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing that will be based at the Barrow campus.
Institute leaders are working closely with Furness College to enable courses starting in September 2024 to be delivered from facilities at its Channelside campus until the new university campus is ready, with minimal disruption to staff and students.
