Community leaders visit Barrow university campus

Strengthening ties with the town's wider community, the tour provided the visitors with an opportunity to see the multi-million-pound site first-hand to gain a deeper understanding of the university’s vision and strategic intentions for the development of Barrow as a university town. The visit helped to inform local figures of the university's plans to support Barrow's wider push for growth: to spread the word and inspire individuals to consider higher education; to hear what the University of Cumbria can do to help the area; and to celebrate the great work already being done in the town.

Representatives experienced first-hand the state-of-the-art facilities and its vision for advancing higher education and community development in the region. Organisations included Barrow BID, Enterprising Cumbria, Women’s Community Matters, Theatre Factory, Team Barrow, The Bridge, Westmorland and Furness Council, as well the Barrow Town Mayor and Mayoress.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE and Barrow campus manager, Rob Wilson led the tour, joined by the Dean of the Institute of Health, Professor Karen Stansfield and Principal Lecturer from the Institute of Engineering, Computing & Advanced Manufacturing, Matt Ryder, showcasing specialist features of the new campus, including the nursing clinical skills and engineering labs.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE said: “As a university of, for and beyond Cumbria that is rooted in and serves our communities, our new Barrow campus has been purposefully designed to advance education, skills development, research, and innovation in close collaboration with the local community.

From the outset, our vision is to create a space where education and local engagement come together to shape a brighter future for Barrow.

It has been fantastic to hear such positive feedback from those who joined us, all were impressed by the facilities and excited about the possibilities for collaboration and growing the opportunities for Barrow. This campus represents a significant investment in the region’s future, and we are proud to have opened a space that empowers both local and national talent.”

To find out more information about the programmes and provisions available at the University of Cumbria Barrow campus and to book onto the next open day, 19 November, head to: Barrow - Open Evening 19th November 2025