The University of Cumbria hosted an insightful day bringing together its senior leaders along with several key guests from the Barrow community.

Among the attendees on Tuesday, March 12, were local councillors, senior leads from Team Barrow, and colleagues from BAE Systems.

Together, they came to help shape the university’s approach to its integration into the Barrow area.

The day included talks with Councillor Fred Chatfield, who is a Barrow Town Councillor and member of the Brilliant Barrow Board who said: “I never ever thought I’d see a university in Barrow so it’s absolutely wonderful to see the University of Cumbria building a new campus here and opening from September this year.

“The opportunities that it will bring will be significant.  It will not only provide new opportunities for the people of Barrow accessing higher education locally but having a student population will enable the town to grow even further with new investment and development for it to really thrive for all to benefit.”

Councillor Chatfield was alongside leading figures from Team Barrow – namely, workstream leads Naomi Morgan (Education, Employment and Skills), Karen Brisley (Transport), Lindsay Lewis (Health, Equity and Wellbeing), and University of Cumbria Vice Chancellor, Professor Julie Mennell, who is a member of both the Brilliant Barrow Board and the Team Barrow Delivery Board.

This was followed by an introduction to Barrow, with a walking tour from Derek Brook, Westmorland and Furness Councillor and a member of the Brilliant Barrow board, as well as Helen Bayley, from BAE Systems.

This has given attendees valuable insights into the area and its ambitions.

Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor said: “The day was a great opportunity to engage with colleagues and key guests from the local council, Team Barrow and BAE Systems, about the campus project, right here on the ground in Barrow.

“As part of our Towards 2030 strategy, we aim to be a university not just in the town, but for the town, playing a key role in its growth and access to education for current and future generations.

“We’re committed to addressing the region’s skills needs and supporting the town’s vital role in the UK’s infrastructure.

“We deeply value and appreciate the contributions of everyone who joined us.”

Following this, a tour of the university’s Barrow campus construction site allowed many to experience the space for the first time and witness firsthand the progress of what will soon become a vibrant hub for both students and the local community.