A SOUTH Cumbria MP has said a university campus that is set to be built in Barrow will help attract people to the Furness area. 

Simon Fell stressed the University of Cumbria (UoC) site would be important in 'meeting the challenge of our declining and ageing population' and that it would make university a 'very real prospect' for many people across the region.

The Barrow and Furness MP was commenting on the news that full planning permission for a UoC campus, to be located on land at the end of Buccleuch Dock Road, had been granted.

"It’s a huge step forward in making our dream of having a university in Barrow become a reality," said Mr Fell.

“This is exactly what 'levelling up' is all about – creating more opportunities for people right here in Furness."

READ MORE: University campus in Barrow given go-ahead

The new campus is key to the creation of the Barrow Learning Quarter, part of the #BrilliantBarrow project that began as a bid for money from the Government's Towns Fund.

The Learning Quarter also includes a 'skills hub' at an upgraded facility at Furness College's Rating Lane site.

Mr Fell, who sits on the #BrilliantBarrow board, said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing this project progress and to being able to witness the completion of the construction of our very own university in the autumn of next year. 

“My thanks go to all of my colleagues on the #BrilliantBarrow board and to the university and Furness College teams for making this happen.”