Introducing our Multiversity Campus
Plans for the Multiversity which will raise the aspirations of the local population by providing a world class learning facility and promote lifelong learning opportunities, are progressing at pace with the vision due to become a reality in the foreseeable future.
Multiversity: A New Concept for Higher Education
The Multiversity is more than a landmark building: it’s a bold vision for the future of higher education.
When completed, it will provide a first-class learning experience that expands access to higher-level skills, creates more flexible routes into and through university, and supports social mobility, economic growth and innovation.
This £65 million initiative – including £49 million of government investment through the Levelling Up Fund — is the latest phase of Blackpool Council’s £350 million Talbot Gateway regeneration scheme.
Located in the heart of the town, it will serve as a hub for degree-level learning, innovation and enterprise while bringing new life, energy and opportunity to Blackpool’s business district.
Designed for Aspiration, Built for Impact
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.
But the Multiversity is more than just a physical space – it’s a new model for delivering higher education.
Powered by cutting-edge technology and flexible, future-facing delivery, it will create multiple (‘multi’) entry points for students from all backgrounds to gain the qualifications needed for success in the regional economy and beyond.
Meeting Learners’ and Employers’ Needs
B&FC has been delivering high-quality higher education for more than 35 years and is one of the UK’s largest providers of college-based Higher/Degree Apprenticeships.
More than 2,600 students currently study HE courses here each year: 65 per cent of whom are mature students with the majority coming from the local area.
Our employer partnerships and technical curriculum are already nationally recognised – and our TEF Gold rating reflects the exceptional student experience and outcomes we are delivering.
The Multiversity will build on this success with a forward-thinking curriculum designed to meet regional skills gaps and evolving student demand.
In an age where more learners are moving away from traditional three-year degrees, the Multiversity will offer a rich mix of Foundation Degrees, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, plus accelerated or modular study options – including online, blended and hybrid formats. It will also support the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (due to start in 2027/28) which offers more flexible funding for students to build qualifications over time.
Why Blackpool Needs the Multiversity
Just 29 per cent of Blackpool’s population currently hold a Level 4 qualification or above – well below the UK average of 44%.
At the same time, demand for higher-level skills is growing rapidly, with more than 50,000 new roles projected in the region requiring Level 4+ qualifications.
Graduates are not only more likely to be in work (87 per cent employment rate at Level 4+ vs. 40 per cent with no qualifications), they also typically earn 20 per cent more by their mid-20s – and that advantage grows over time. The value of higher education also extends beyond the workplace as graduates experience improved health, greater independence and better quality of life.
The Multiversity will support local people to understand and gain these benefits – and give employers access to the skills they need to thrive.
Catalyst for Collaboration and Growth
By bringing together education, business, innovation and community, the Multiversity is set to create a new economic and cultural heartbeat in the town centre.
It will support stronger partnerships between B&FC and employers of all sizes by giving businesses direct access to talent and influencing policy change through regional collaboration.
It will be home to knowledge exchange, entrepreneurial activity, external events and research partnerships – and it will attract learners and employers from across the UK. Managerial and professional development will also be delivered to support lifelong learning and workforce development.
What Happens Next?
Initial works are set to begin on-site this summer.
If you’re a potential future student, employer – or would just like to stay updated on this exciting initiative – please email multiversity@blackpool.ac.uk.