University of Cumbria appoints contractor for Barrow campus

The University of Cumbria has announced that family business Caddick Construction has been appointed as the lead contractor to create the first university campus in Barrow-in-Furness. 

The Caddick Construction team commenced work on-site this week, driving forward the programme for the University of Cumbria campus to be constructed throughout 2024.

The campus will deliver degree programmes aligned initially to areas such as Computer Science (including cyber security), Business Management and Advanced Manufacturing. Once completed, it will help attract and retain talented graduates with higher-level skills that are vital for the area now, and for generations to come.

University of Cumbria Chief Operating Officer, Mark Swindlehurst said: “This milestone takes us another step closer to developing the first university campus in Barrow-in-Furness. We’re delighted to be working with Caddick Construction and existing partners on a project serving our community in an area of such regional, national and international importance.

“Offering innovative, inclusive facilities and provision, this campus will help transform lives and communities for generations to come. The increased reach and accessibility of higher education in, for and from Barrow means that this campus will have a long-lasting impact, offering new opportunities and inspiration to so many who choose to live, visit, work and study in the area and beyond.”

Paul Dodsworth, Managing Director of Caddick Construction Group, comments: “Over the years we have delivered a number of specialist education facilities and we’re pleased to be applying our expertise to the University of Cumbria’s new Barrow-in-Furness campus, while also extending our portfolio of work within the region. Forming part of our team’s preparations to start work on-site, we have been engaging with our local supply chain partners who will support our delivery of work in the coming weeks.”

Once complete, this state-of-the-art facility will provide new teaching spaces, laboratory space, workshops, offices, catering facilities and new landscaping to the immediate area, along with new cycling and car parking facilities.

The Barrow Island campus scheme is being funded by the UK Government, BAE Systems and the University of Cumbria.

The campus, located on a 2.6-hectare site provided by BAE Systems Ltd next to its Submarine Academy of Skills and Knowledge, is part of the Barrow Learning Quarter (BLQ) that is being created to transform educational opportunities in the area. The BLQ also includes a new Skills Hub at Furness College’s sixth form campus.

Looking towards Barrow and with its sloping roof line, the campus building design is inspired by the town’s submarine heritage. The dockside campus building will contain adaptable, specialist and interactive teaching areas across its two floors, along with social and library spaces.

The Barrow Learning Quarter is a significant scheme within the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal designed to help the town and surrounding area thrive. 

In December, Westmorland and Furness Council entered into a Grant Funding Agreement with the University of Cumbria to support the construction of the building in line with Government requirements.

Growing its academic provision and research, the University of Cumbria has created a new Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing that will be based at the Barrow campus.

Institute leaders are working closely with Furness College to enable courses starting in September 2024 to be delivered from facilities at its Channelside campus until the new university campus is ready, with minimal disruption to staff and students.

And on January 23, the university’s outreach team will be sharing details about a BAE scholarship and course opportunities on offer. The ‘Barrow Discover Evening’ is taking place at the BAE Systems Careers Inspiration Hub in the town’s Portland Walk from 5-7pm. To find out more and book, visit https://shorturl.at/hmN69