Blackpool multiversity compulsory purchase order published

Friday, 14 February 2025 16:27

By Shelagh Parkinson

The compulsory purchase order giving Blackpool Council power to clear the site needed for the £65m multiversity has now been published.

The order was granted on January 30th by an independent planning inspector following a public inquiry last November and December.

It lists properties in Cookson Street. Milbourne Street, Charles Street and George Street which the council needs to acquire in order to assemble the remaining 20 per cent of the site.

Council documents setting out the details of the CPO say “whilst efforts to negotiate acquisitions will continue, the council is now in a position to execute the compulsory purchase powers to acquire the outstanding interests.”

The order includes permission “to proceed with the publication and serving of the statutory notice of confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order”.

It also enables the council: “Where appropriate, to continue to negotiate for the voluntary acquisition of any remaining property, and to continue to negotiate compensation.

“Where necessary, to take such steps as are necessary to secure vacant possession of the properties needed for the Multiversity development, including (but not limited to) instructing the sheriff.”

It is hoped construction will begin later this year with the multiversity due to open to students in late 2027.

Outline planning permission was granted in 2024 for five floors of education space to deliver more than 70 individual courses directly linked to local employment needs.

The second phase of development will allow expansion space for the college’s future plans but in the short term the area will be used for parking.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, news@central.radio

More from Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde News

St Annes paddling pool set to make a splash again after repairs funding agreed

Essential repairs will be carried out on the paddling pool at St Annes after funding was agreed by Fylde Council.
Hunt is on for temporary ‘pop-up’ home for heritage trams

Blackpool Transport is on the lookout for a suitable location from which to temporarily display the town’s iconic and much-loved heritage fleet.
Major uproar at plans for 100-home development in Fylde countryside village

A lush meadow which has been part of people’s childhood memories in the Kirkham and Wesham area for generations desperately needs saving from a massive housing scheme, say campaigners.
Blackpool Council update on Adult Services progress after last year’s ‘inadequate’ CQC rating

A damning CQC report on Blackpool’s Adult Social care last year has ended up being a positive wake-up call which has improved services, an annual report concludes.
Community stewardship set to continue at Lytham Assembly Rooms

Lytham Assembly Rooms, home to Lytham Library, is set to remain in the hands of the community that has cared for it for decades, after Fylde Council’s agreed to transfer the freehold of the historic building to Lytham Town Trust.
Contractors working together to create new community hub in South Shore

Contractors working with Blackpool Council have joined forces to create a new community space in South Shore, aiming to upskill residents and help create a more resilient community.
Windfarm cabling reaction and full route explained

A government decision to approve a controversial cabling scheme to connect a pair of offshore windfarms near Fylde to a power station in South Ribble will leave the local landscape it cuts through changed forever, campaigners against the plans have warned.
Duke brings right Royal touch to Blackpool’s Stanley Park for centenary

Cheering crowds of excited children waved union flags as the Duke of Edinburgh paid a special visit to Blackpool’s Stanley Park to help celebrate its centenary year.