Client

University of Cumbria

Local Authority

Barrow Borough Council

Project Description

New Education Academy

 

University of Cumbria, Barrow Learning Quarter

DPP were appointed by DAY Architecture on behalf of the University of Cumbria to provide strategic pre-planning advice regarding proposals to demolish an existing warehouse owned by BAE Systems in order to develop a new University of Cumbria Barrow Campus, adjacent to the BAE Systems Submarine Academy for Skills and Knowledge on Buccleuch Dock Road, Barrow Island, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. 

The Proposed Development is a key element of the Barrow Learning Quarter (BLQ), which is a partnership between the University of Cumbria, Furness College, the Borough Council, BAE Systems and local businesses. The BLQ seeks to enhance progression into and participation in Higher Education in Barrow-in-Furness. The new University of Cumbria Barrow Campus seeks to deliver Higher Education locally, focusing on developing higher level skills that are in demand from the advanced manufacturing businesses in and around Barrow and south-west Cumbria. This is a key regeneration scheme for the town, backed by Town Deal Funding  

The University of Cumbria Barrow campus will offer an immersive, accessible and locally available higher education experience that further education students would otherwise not be able to access. As such, the site’s location adjacent to the BAE System’s SASK building is a strategic decision to optimise the project vision and objectives. The courses which will be available at the University of Cumbria Barrow Campus include:  

  • BEng / MEng Advanced Manufacturing 
  • BSc Computing (Digital and Cyber Security) 
  • BA Business Management 
  • Programmes in Supply Chain and Logistics 
  • BSc Project Management 
  • Graduate Diploma Project Controls 

The building has been designed to echo the shape of a submarine, in recognition of Barrow’s historic and ongoing involvement in the marine and defence  industry. 

ACHIEVEMENTS

DPP prepared a pre-application enquiry to Barrow Borough Council and successfully led a series of pre-application meetings with Planning Officers in co-ordination with the design team. DPP also undertook an online public consultation event which took place in November 2021. 

 Such pre-application discussions led to the successful preparation, co-ordination and submission of a full planning application for the proposed development which was submitted to the LPA on 1st April 2022. Members unanimously supported the recommendation for planning approval at Committee on 4th October

Services Provided


  • Pre-Application Advice
  • Community Engagement
  • Project Management
  • Planning Application Preparation & Management
  • Consultation
  • Planning Strategies