Brilliant Barrow Board Visits New University of Cumbria Campus

The visit began with a session hosted at the BAE Systems SASK (Submarines Academy for Skills and Knowledge) facility. Attendees heard from Chair of the Brilliant Barrow Board Steve Cole, and Chief Executive of Team Barrow Peter Anstiss.

Speakers shared insights into the vision, ambition, and strategic purpose behind the new campus development. Steve Cole shared an overview of the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal programme, the importance of the university campus to the town’s wider regeneration plans, and how collaborative leadership has shaped its success.

Pictured above: Chair of the Brilliant Barrow Board Steve Cole delivering his address to attendees

Steve Cole said: "The Barrow campus is more than just bricks and mortar, it is a signal of intent for the town’s future. As the largest project within the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal, it demonstrates the scale of our ambition to transform Barrow through targeted investment in skills, innovation, health, and sustainability. The Town Deal is about unlocking long-term growth and creating opportunities that matter to local people. It will boost skills, support employers, and help build a stronger, more resilient Barrow for generations to come."

Pictured above: Chief Executive of Team Barrow Peter Anstiss delivering his address to attendees

Following the session, Brilliant Barrow Board members toured the near-completed university campus. The state-of-the-art facility will host academic programmes aligning with workforce needs and future job opportunities. While on site at the campus, University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell DL delivered an address to attendees outlining the vision and purpose. She highlighted how it will contribute to Barrow’s economic, skills, cultural, and social development, helping to broaden understanding of the town’s crucial role in the UK’s future, particularly in areas such as growth, defence and security, and public services. Professor Mennell emphasised the university’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and strengthening skills in the region.

Pictured above: Brilliant Barrow Board in front of University of Cumbria Barrow campus

Professor Mennell said: "Aligned with our Towards 2030 strategy, we aim to position ourselves as a leading university for Cumbria and beyond. This new campus, enabled through the support of the Brilliant Barrow Board and Barrow Town Deal funding, brings the benefits and value of higher education directly to local people, businesses, and the wider community. It will create new opportunities for learners to gain higher-level qualifications and pursue careers that support the town’s economic future. We are proud to be part of Barrow’s transformation and to be working alongside our partners to deliver a place-based solution that meets real local needs. It was fantastic to show members of the Brilliant Barrow Board the progress of this project, the largest within the Town Deal, and to share how it will positively impact the region for years to come."

Pictured above: University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor Julie Mennell DL delivering her address to attendees

Funded through the Government’s Towns Fund, the new campus is the centrepiece of the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal, part of a national initiative announced by the Prime Minister in July 2019 to support 101 towns across England with funding for long-term economic regeneration.

The University of Cumbria Barrow campus will officially welcome its first students in September 2025.