Blackpool's skyline changes forever as demolition continues on George Street for £65m Multiversity
Blackpool’s town centre skyline is changing as demolition work continued today on George Street to make way for the town’s landmark £65 million Multiversity campus.
Heavy machinery moved in on Tuesday, January 13, as contractors started dismantling properties around George Street as part of the next major phase of the Talbot Gateway regeneration scheme.
The Multiversity project, led by Blackpool and The Fylde College in partnership with Blackpool Council, is backed by government funding and is designed to transform a large section of the town centre into a modern, high-tech learning hub.
Once complete, the campus will offer more than 70 courses across further education, higher education and adult learning.
It is expected to bring up to 3,000 students and staff into the heart of Blackpool each day.
George Street to close permanently later this year
George Street will remain open for now, but it is expected to close permanently later this year once construction begins in earnest, marking a significant milestone in the long-running regeneration of the area.
The demolition follows earlier clearance work on Charles Street and surrounding roads, which began last year to prepare the site ahead of full construction.
The Multiversity will be built on land around Cookson Street and forms a central part of the wider Talbot Gatewayproject - a £350 million scheme centred around Blackpool North station that aims to bring more jobs, footfall and investment into the town centre.
Preparing the ground for construction
Construction firm Morgan Sindall has been appointed to deliver the build and has previously confirmed that the majority of demolition materials will be recycled, with around 95 per cent diverted from landfill.
Alongside demolition, a series of traffic and pedestrian improvements are planned in the area, including road layout changes, new crossings and junction upgrades to support increased activity once the campus opens.
Main construction is expected to begin once demolition and site clearance are complete, with the Multiversity due to open in late 2027.