Planning application submitted for developing a university campus as part of Barrow Learning Quarter
The University of Cumbria has submitted a formal planning application to Barrow Borough Council as part of the next steps in developing a university campus in the centre of Barrow.
Part of Barrow Learning Quarter (BLQ), and designed by DAY Architectural Ltd., plans for the new campus will now be shared publicly and the council will undertake a period of consultation where views on the proposed development can be expressed.
University of Cumbria, Vice Chancellor, Professor Julie Mennell said: “Today’s planning application takes us another step closer to realising our ambition to develop a new university campus in Barrow.
“A truly transformational project, Barrow Learning Quarter will increase the accessibility, reach and impact of our academic offer.
“The new campus, at the heart of the Learning Quarter, will enhance progression into and participation in Higher Education, helping to transform the town for future generations.”
A partnership between the University of Cumbria, Furness College, the Borough Council, BAE Systems, and local businesses, Barrow Learning Quarter (BLQ) offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the education landscape in Barrow.
The planning application follows the recent announcement that as part of its Town Deal programme, the Government has now confirmed that the full amount of £25 million has been awarded to Barrow-in-Furness.
It is expected that the main construction work will begin later this year, with completion forecasted for late spring 2024.
ENDS
Images show architect drawings of the proposed new campus
Notes for editors
On July 27, 2019, the Prime Minister announced that the Towns Fund would support an initial 101 places across England to develop Town Deal proposals, to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. See further details of the announcement: PM speech at Manchester Science and Industry Museum - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
A Town Deal is an agreement in principle between Government, the lead council and the Town Deal Board. It will set out a vision and strategy for the town, and what each party agrees to do to achieve this vision. See the 101 places being supported to develop Town Deals: list-of-100-places.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Each of the 101 towns selected to work towards a Town Deal also received accelerated funding last year for investment in capital projects that would have an immediate impact and help places “build back better” in the wake of Covid-19. View a list of accelerated funding by place: towns-fund-accelerated-funding-grants.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)