Renovation work has started on a former council building in Scunthorpe to create University Campus North Lincolnshire.

Britcon Limited has started renovation work on a former council building in Scunthorpe to create the University Campus North Lincolnshire.

The campus will bring many new opportunities to the area including the very first master’s level course.

Ursula Lidbetter OBE, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said, “We're pleased to be supporting this new university campus for Scunthorpe, which has a specific focus on the SME sector and aims to stimulate innovative approaches to achieving employer investment in skills.

“From building leadership networks to providing leadership qualifications from Level 3 through to Level 8, this project will have a tremendous impact on the wider educational offer in North Lincolnshire in direct response to local employer requirements.”

Part of the first phase will see the ground floor transformed to accommodate a learning environment while keeping key features. The first floor will also see changes including an IT room, teaching facilities and a library. 

Various new windows have been replaced as part of this renovation which have been supplied and made especially by local firm Theaker Joinery in line with the current build. Essential roofing improvements have also been made to keep the building watertight for the future.

Large promotional banners have been erected outside the building to highlight the UCNL’s launch in readiness for the opening to new students in September.

The first phase is due for completion by 30th August. The second phase will see the introduction of engineering and health laboratories as well as the planning for the second and third floor which will also present teaching and conference facilities and more social spaces.

Councillor Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see work progressing on the transformation of Civic Centre thanks to £2m funding from the Government through the Greater Lincolnshire LEP. Walking around the site, it’s clear to see that the building will become a bright and modern learning space as part of the University Campus North Lincolnshire.

“The UCNL project will embed higher-level skills into our local economy, and create a direct link between businesses and graduates with the right skills to support growth. The first students will be welcomed to the new UCNL building in September, and as the number of graduates in our area grows, we’ll inspire future generations and drive the growth of more, higher-paid jobs in our area.”

Maxina Butler-Holmes, Executive Director Higher Education for the DN Colleges Group, said: "Higher education students across the national sector are increasing valuing different and varied learning spaces. This has been a fundamental principle which has been incorporated into the design for UCNL. We are absolutely committed to enhancing the student experience."

The Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth Jake Berry MP said: “We are committed to boosting economic growth across the Northern Powerhouse, Midlands Engine and the UK as a whole.

“The Government is investing a total of £7.3 million from the Local Growth Fund to build skills in the Greater Lincolnshire area and this allocation of £2.3 million will give thousands of people in the region access to higher education, including Degree Apprenticeships, for the first time.

“It will also support local businesses by giving them an opportunity to work closely with the education sector to shape training for their existing staff and workforce of the future.”

Pictured on site (left to right) are: Mick Lochran, Principal of North Lindsey College; Halina Davies from the Greater Lincolnshire LEP; Councillor Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council; Nolan Bennett, Strategic Projects Director at North Lincolnshire Council; and Nick Shepherd, Managing Director of Britcon Ltd.