Verdict is in on latest expansion of Blackpool & The Fylde College
“The proposal will support the College’s strategic objective of expanding educational capacity and providing industry-standard learning environments.”
Blackpool and the Fylde College’s ambitious expansion plans are continuing as one of its latest projects – a new detached teaching block at Bispham – has been given the green light by planners.
It comes as another of the college’s projects – the £65million Multiversity scheme – is already under construction in the centre of Blackpool and is scheduled to open in September 2028.
While the Multiversity, situated near Cookson Street and George Street, will offer more than 70 courses to some 3,000 students, the new building at Bispham campus is a little more modest.
The new unit at the Ashfield Road site will “provide additional accommodation for computing, digital technology and engineering-related activities” and offers 127 square metres of additional educational floorspace.
A planning application, seeking permission for the erection of a detached single storey teaching building at the Ashfield Road site, has been approved by Blackpool Council planning officers
An Access and Design Statement by chartered building consultants Leeming Associates, said: “The building will be located to the rear of an existing industrial-style training facility and will operate as an independent educational building within the wider College campus.
“The proposed building has been designed to complement the existing facility through the use of matching materials, proportions and architectural detailing.
“The development adopts a simple and functional industrial form which reflects the character of the surrounding operational training environment.The building will be positioned predominantly on an existing pathway and hardstanding area within the operational campus.
“The development will provide additional accommodation for computing, digital technology and engineering-related activities, including practical training, workshops, employer engagement initiatives and flexible teaching space.
“The proposal will support the College’s strategic objective of expanding educational capacity and providing industry-standard learning environments.”
The proposed building will incorporate galvanised steel sheet cladding, a dark brick plinth, profiled metal roofing and roller shutter doors, reflecting the appearance and operational function of the adjacent building.
A delegated report by the planning officer stated: “The scheme is considered to represent sustainable development and no other material planning considerations have been identified that would outweigh this assessment.
“On this basis, planning permission should be approved.”
Meanwhile, on August 3, Blackpool and The Fylde College and Furness College in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, formally merged to create the new B and FC Group.
Both colleges are to keep their individual names, local identities, and campus locations.
The partnership will expands education and skills training in sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, engineering, and defence.
However, student courses and staff operations continue normally on existing campuses.