THE University of Cumbria have announced they have completed the next phase of their new Barrow campus.

The steel skeleton of the building has now been successfully built with work now underway to make the two-story building water and weather tight.

Caddick Construction Group expect to have finished the construction of the building by early 2025.

The work is being funded by the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal, which secured £25 million for seven projects designed to help the town thrive for generations by supporting the expansion of education, economic and cultural opportunities.

(Image: The steel skeleton of the new Barrow campus building. Credit: University of Cumbria)

The first academic programmes being delivered from September 2025 include:

  • BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year (subject to validation); 
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Science (students will split time between University of Cumbria’s Lancaster and Barrow campuses); 
  • BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (providing teaching and placements in and around Barrow).

Barrovian and Professor of Practice Jackie Arnold MBE, who has now become a strategic advisor to the university’s Vice Chancellor’s Executive, said: “I’m passionate about my home town and proud to be supporting the university at this exciting stage of its own development and that of the town. 

“The presence of a university in the town will give local students the opportunity to progress to higher education and experience a university life and the benefits this presents; all without the need to travel, making it more affordable and easier to fit in with commitments at home.

The campus is a visual symbol of the start of Barrow’s journey to becoming a university town.”


The University of Cumbria campus, situated on Buccleuch Dock Road, Barrow Island, will have dedicated engineering learning labs, teaching rooms, digital library facilities, catering options, car parking and cycle store.   

READ MORE: Changes to University of Cumbria Barrow campus planning application

Steve Cole, CIO & Operational Improvement Director at BAE Systems Maritime and Land, and Chair of the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal Board, said: "It is fantastic to see the university campus in Buccleuch Dock Road rising up, ready to soon open up new and exciting opportunities in Barrow.

 "All the projects funded through the Brilliant Barrow programme will significantly boost access to education, training and skills, improve levels of health and wellbeing overall and maximise the town’s considerable economic strengths and potential - with the Learning Quarter playing a key role in meeting those goals.

"I can't wait to see this campus open and inspiring learners, making Barrow a university town with a prosperous and exciting future ahead."

Janet Garner, Future Workforce Director at BAE Systems, said: “The new university campus will be a welcome addition to the town and BAE Systems is proud to be supporting the new Barrow Learning Quarter. It's great to see how our town is evolving, especially in the higher education space. 

"We are working in partnership with the University of Cumbria, Westmorland and Furness Council and the newly formed Team Barrow to make Barrow a thriving town and a great place to live, work and play."