Preparatory works are underway for the construction of a new world-class higher education campus in Blackpool town centre, as part of a major investment into the area's regeneration.

The Multiversity campus for Blackpool and The Fylde College will bring up to 3,000 students and staff to a purpose-built learning environment on Cookson Street, forming part of phase four of Blackpool Council's £350 million Talbot Gateway regeneration programme.

Demolition and site clearance will begin in phases over the next nine months, with initial work starting soon at the corner of Grosvenor Street, Milbourne Street, and Charles Street. Charles Street will close between Cookson Street and Grosvenor Street during the works, while George Street will remain open initially, with lane closures expected later in the year. Once construction begins, George Street will permanently close.

To support traffic flow and improve pedestrian access around the Multiversity and Talbot Gateway, a number of infrastructure improvements will be delivered as part of the £5.6 million Town Centre Access Scheme, funded by the UK Government. These include:

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• Upgraded traffic light junctions on Caunce Street

• New road layout on Grosvenor Street for two-way traffic

• Pedestrian crossings on Cookson Street and Grosvenor Street

• A drop-off lay-by on Cookson Street

• A new right turn from Cookson Street onto Deansgate

The majority of land needed for the development has been acquired by Blackpool Council, with remaining properties expected to transfer into council ownership this summer. Support is being offered to remaining residents to help them relocate.

The new Multiversity building will comprise five floors and deliver more than 70 individual courses, supporting students from further education through to adult learning and degree-level study. It will align directly with local employment needs, offering training in areas that support regional economic growth.

Morgan Sindall Construction, based in Manchester, will lead the demolition and construction phases. The company has committed to using local workers and subcontractors, in line with Blackpool Council’s social value policies.

The site also includes a future expansion phase for the college, which will initially serve as a temporary car park. The development is supported by £9 million in Government land acquisition funding and £40 million in construction funding, awarded in 2023.

The Multiversity project is part of a broader transformation around Blackpool North station, where recent developments include a 144-bedroom Holiday Inn and Marco Pierre White restaurant, a tram-train interchange, a new DWP office housing 3,000 government staff, and the ongoing construction of a second government office for 1,100 employees. Plans for a new multi-storey car park on King Street are also in development.

The scheme is being delivered with the support of Avison Young (planning consultants), Hawkins\Brown (architects), and CBRE (advisors).