UCLan boss hails Burnley as ideal town for university expansion plans

Vice-chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin has placed Burnley at the heart of its growth proposals, saying the town presents an "ideal environment" for the university.

Preston-based UCLan hopes to have 4,000 students in the town by 2025.

It opened a new 136-bedroomed student accommodation complex at Sandygate in autumn last year as part of the wider canal-side ‘On the Banks’ project by Burnley Council and Barnfield Investment Properties.

Prof Baldwin, speaking in support of a new ‘Invest in Burnley’ campaign said: “We work in close partnership with Burnley’s employers and communities, so they can influence our curriculum and provide opportunities to our students, as well as benefitting from our knowledge transfer capabilities.

“Burnley presents an ideal environment for a university – a fantastic learning experience in a supportive and friendly environment, where students can benefit from small class sizes and a high level of support.”

Former Conservative education secretary Justine Greening said: “The work that UCLan is pioneering in Burnley and beyond can provide a template for others to look at how to tackle inequality, fill crucial key worker vacancies in the NHS and other public services and encourage genuine diversity in the organisations that underpin this country.”

Kate Ingram, strategic head of economy and growth at Burnley Council, said: “To have delivered the Sandygate building in such a short time frame and in such difficult circumstances is extraordinary. It is the first purpose-built student accommodation in the town. We have created a great student experience whilst respecting the historic canal-side setting.”