Blackpool energy college set to help climate change

Minister Andrew Percy visits the Enterprise Zone at Blackpool Airport. He is pictured with Daryl Platt from B&FC, Simon Blackburn and Jennifer Mein.

The £9.8m facility based at Blackpool Airport is being hailed as a creator of skills and jobs as well as playing its part in helping the nation achieve its climate change commitments.

The building was given the once over by Communities Minister, Andrew Percy who was interested in the provision of skills for the energy sector which offers potential for jobs on the Fylde thanks to its coastal position.

The minister, whose portfolio includes responsibility for the Northern Powerhouse and Enterprise Zones, was visiting the Fylde Coast on Wednesday for an update on the status of Lancashire’s four economic incubator sites.

Following the visit he said: “It was great to see Blackpool and The Fylde College’s Lancashire Energy HQ campus today, opening thanks to millions of pounds of government investment, which will bring high-skilled jobs and businesses directly into the Northern Powerhouse.”

Bev Robinson, principal and chief executive of Blackpool and the Fylde College, said: “Lancashire Energy HQ represents significant investment in technical and professional education for the energy sector, which will support growth and jobs in the area.

“We welcome the fact that the Minister chose to come to Blackpool to see first-hand where we will be training highly-skilled workers to fill specialist roles across the energy industries.

“Lancashire Energy HQ will provide a cutting-edge education and training facility for Lancashire, delivering the full range of technical and professional education required by the industry, with a focus on the green and renewable sectors.

“This in turn will assist the Government as it works to fulfil its commitments on climate change.”

The visit was also attended by senior politicians and officers from the three Fylde Coast councils, Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and various government officials.

Lancashire Energy HQ is due to be completed in the autumn of 2017 and is the flagship development on Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone at Squires Gate Lane,Blackpool.