Blackpool is set for major transformation following the £350 million regeneration project of the Talbot Gateway area. Within this is the Blackpool Multiversity project, which was awarded via The Major Works Framework, which we manage on behalf of the contracting authority Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
The final design plans have now been submitted for final approval for the scheme which aims to overhaul the educational landscape in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, creating a new home for Blackpool and The Fylde College, providing more than 70 courses to enhance education in the area and attracting up to 3,000 students and staff into the city centre.
Considering decarbonisation at every stage
As the UK races towards the 2050 net zero target, it’s important for large-scale public sector facilities to have strong green credentials. This was no different for Blackpool Multiversity project, with the design team reducing the operational energy and embodied carbon performance of the scheme at every possible stage. Plans state that the building must be carbon neutral in operation, with features including solar panels on the roof of the building, a green roof terrace in the south of the building and sustainable air source heat pumps used throughout.
Acting as a procurement partner to Blackpool Council, who are delivering the project in partnership with B&FC, it was important for us to ensure this key element was reflected in the procurement process too.
A strategic procurement approach
The Major Works Framework was chosen for its access to a variety of contractors with varied specialist experience, as well the comprehensive levels of support offered by our team –essential for a scheme of this scale. This included advising on tender documentation, as well as handling the query process, reducing delays and keeping the project on track.
As part of the bidding process, contractors were challenged to respond to a range of strict criteria, which included showcasing experience of designing and delivering BREEAM ‘Excellent’and net zero carbon buildings. Contractors also needed to identify relevant experience of reducing embodied carbon through supply chains and outline a planned approach for this project, including ensuring these savings were maintained or improved upon at every relevant stage.
Following this process, Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed as the main contractor for the project. Morgan Sindall’s strong track record in constructing educational campuses made itthe ideal choice to bring the Multiversity vision to life, combined with its demonstrated experience in creating sustainable, high-quality facilities that make a positive impact.
Paul Mawdsley, North West Regional Delivery Manager at Pagabo said: “This project is the perfect showcase of how a procurement partner can bring so much value to its client when helping them to find the right contractor for their projects, no matter the scale or specific complexities.
“We have a number of different frameworks for this specific reason, giving quick access to the contractors with the right levels of skills and experience – and this can be bolstered throughouta thorough procurement process, where it’s possible to add specific criteria that can demonstrate past experience, helping the client to make confident decisions when awarding any party.”
Blackpool Council has the support of a £9m government grant, and construction was awarded £40m from the UK government in 2023.
Learn more about how you can unlock decarbonisaton funding in the summary of our dedicated Pagabo Live episode online.
Find out more about the Major Works Framework on our website.
Discover our frameworks
