Update on Blackpool’s £65m Multiversity project

Blackpool’s landscape continues to change as further progress is made at the cordoned-off area near the town centre earmarked for the landmark £65 million Multiversity campus.

Heavy machinery such as diggers and a steamroller are still in place as contractors continue to prepare the site, which had previously been houses which were acquired by Compulsory Purchase Order.

How traffic is affected

The project is also changing traffic flow; starting yesterday (Tuesday May 5), George Street is now closed to traffic between Grosvenor Street and Cookson Street as part of the ongoing Multiversity campus development.

The closure represents a significant milestone in the wider regeneration of the Talbot Gateway area, with plans to eventually transform the street into a high-quality public realm space at the heart of a new education and employment district.

Once complete, the area is expected to support more than 8,000 workers and students – at the new MoD office under construction, the Multiversity and the DWP office opened las year –  reshaping how people move through and use the town centre.

George Street will no longer be accessible to vehicles along the affected section while construction work progresses.

The closure is permanent in nature for through-traffic, forming part of the wider redesign of the street layout linked to the new campus development.

The wider programme includes improved road layouts, upgraded traffic signals and additional crossing points designed to improve safety.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and follow signed diversion routes while works continue. Although short-term disruption is expected, the long-term aim is to create a more connected and accessible town centre.

Landscaped public square

Funding for the £65m Multiversity project, led by Blackpool and The Fylde College in partnership with Blackpool Council,  includes £49 million of government investment through the Levelling Up Fund — and is part of Blackpool Council’s £350 million Talbot Gateway regeneration scheme.

The five-storey, 115,000 sq. ft. campus will deliver more than 70 higher education courses in a sustainable, inclusive and inspiring environment.

The carbon-neutral building will have rooftop solar panels, air source heat pumps and extensive use of glass to maximise natural light. A new landscaped public square will further enhance the area for residents, learners and businesses alike.

It is expected to bring up to 3,000 students and staff into the heart of Blackpool each day, once the Multiversity is up and running by September 2027.

What they say

Alun Francis, Chief Executive of Blackpool & The Fylde College, said:  “This project will regenerate a strategically important part of Blackpool town centre – and it will also launch a new model for delivering more flexible higher education that is better aligned to ‘real world’ market intelligence and student demand.

“The Multiversity will ultimately provide a range of new routes for learners that will boost local opportunities, social mobility and lead to highly skilled occupations that meet regional needs.”