Duke of York to open Burnley’s UTC

Prince Andrew will open the UTC in the Weavers’ Triangle on Thursday, March 20th.

Run by the Visions Learning Trust, the college is the first of its kind in Lancashire, and opened its doors to students in August.

During the visit, the Duke will unveil a plaque to mark the official opening and go on to tour the college to meet with staff and students in the newly regenerated Victoria Mill, located within the On The Banks development.

Martin Callagher, managing director of the UTC said: “We are honoured and delighted to welcome His Royal Highness and are looking forward to showing The Duke around our £10.3m. facilities.

“We deliver a new way of learning for 14 to 19 year olds who wish to study towards a career in engineering or construction. These are areas in which the UK is likely to see a skills gap unless efforts are made to encourage and develop young people with the correct aptitude.”

The Duke will be welcomed by the Mayor of Burnley, Coun. Frank Cant.

He said: “The Duke’s brother, The Prince of Wales, has become a regular visitor to Burnley and I know our town is close to his heart and we hope the Duke will feel the same affinity. This visit will be an opportunity for him to see Burnley’s historic heart and the transformations underway to transform it in to a modern centre for education, leisure and business uses.”

Council leader Julie Cooper said: “Our ambition is to make Burnley a regionally significant centre for advanced manufacturing and engineering excellence. These are exciting times for Burnley.”