Blackpool and the Fylde College’s new Central Hub at the University Centre has become the first build project in Blackpool, and one of a small number nationally, to achieve a post-construction BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, praising it’s sustainable design and environmental performance.

Image courtsey of Colin Jarvis

The BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It addresses wide-ranging environmental and sustainability issues and enables the College to provide a better environment for staff and students.

The Central Hub, which has been funded in partnership with the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and ReBlackpool, is part of a £10 million re-development of the College’s Central Blackpool site to create a state-of-the-art University Centre. It provides a centralised resource for student support facilities such as catering and learning resources, freeing up much needed space in the existing buildings for future growth. The project incorporates hard and soft landscaping and a tree lined avenue as well as the impressive and modern indoor space.

John Pye, Project Director - College Capital Projects for Blackpool and the Fylde College, praised the team behind the build:

“The College’s design team have worked hard from concept through to construction to ensure the building complies with BREEAM’s high standards. As a result, we have minimised the environmental impact of the structure and we will benefit from reduced running costs in the long term.

“The BREEAM award is not simply about the building’s performance, it also requires the college to consider wider implications. For example, we have included cycle parking, showers and lockers across the campus to encourage staff and students to cycle to College. The building also has a rainwater harvesting system which captures water and feeds a clean supply to the toilet systems within the building.

“Not only did we achieve this rating at the planning stage, but the College was committed to achieving a post-construction BREEAM ‘Excellent’ merit for the Central Hub, meaning we have stuck to our principles and not compromised on environmental impact in order to cut costs.

“This project has set a new standard for Blackpool and we hope to see other organisations following our lead to improve working environments and meet environmental objectives. We will certainly be incorporating BREEAM criteria into our future developments.”

Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Economic Development at the NWDA, added:

“This is an excellent achievement for this important development that will transform the provision of higher education in Blackpool. Ensuring that new developments meet strict environmental and sustainability guidelines is crucial if we are to achieve our long term goal of becoming the leading region for tackling climate change by 2020. As the first build project to achieve this important standard in Blackpool, I hope that it will set an example for future developments in the resort to place a strong emphasis on their environmental credentials.”

Doug Garrett, Chief Executive of ReBlackpool, said: ““The completion of work on the University Centre marks an important step in the regeneration not just of the college, but the town as a whole.

“The work which has been completed will greatly enhance the facilities available not only to existing students, but also for young people who may attend the college in future years. “Along with the other key regeneration projects taking place in the town, the completion of this project raises the bar in terms of what Blackpool can deliver for residents and people thinking about moving to the area.”