A NEW university campus could be up and running in Barrow in three years.

The University of Cumbria has signed a partnership agreement with Lancaster University to support the new university campus in the town.

The two universities will collaborate on research partnerships with local businesses and on courses offering the best subject strengths from both of the higher education institutions.

The University of Cumbria will work closely with key businesses, including BAE Systems, and with Furness College, in order to ensure that courses prepare graduates for career success through higher level skills.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, said a university campus would expand what's on offer for young people in Barrow.

He said: “This is fantastic news and will make such a big difference to Barrow.

“Getting a campus into town will widen the offering for young people and have real benefits to the town centre, its shops, and the local economy.

“All too often we hear that there isn’t enough to do for young people in our community – this is a solid step to turning that around.

“I’m delighted – thank you to the Universities of Cumbria and Lancaster and local stakeholders, including the Brilliant Barrow Board, for making this happen.”

The university will work closely with key partners in Barrow, including the Brilliant Barrow Board and Barrow Borough Council in order to ensure the campus brings social as well as economic benefits to the town.

The campus has had initial approval to progress to a full business case for funding through the Barrow Towns Deal, following approval of the strategic outline business case.

If the bid is successful, the construction work is expected to be completed by 2024, when the campus would open.

Professor Julie Mennell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria, said: “Our partnership with the University of Lancaster to develop an HE campus in Barrow reflects our growing partnership and gives Barrow an enhanced HE offer. Lancaster University is a good friend and partner that will bring outstanding strengths in teaching and research into the Barrow campus alongside us, so enhancing the quality of provision and opportunities for local people.”

Lancaster University Vice Chancellor, Professor Andy Schofield said: “Lancaster University has a long and proud tradition of supporting local higher education developments in places like Blackpool and Blackburn, so working with our colleagues at the University of Cumbria on this exciting project is a natural thing for us to do.”

Sam Plum, chief executive of Barrow Borough Council, said: “This is an exciting step towards the realisation of one of our long-held ambitions for Barrow; to increase lifelong opportunities for residents and young people and for businesses across the area to benefit from high calibre graduates with the skills they need to continue to thrive."