Sandygate, Burnley for Burnley Council and University of Central Lancashire with Capita, Campbell Driver and DAY

 This 3.3-hectare site in Burnley’s conservation area includes five Grade II-listed buildings and other heritage assets. With £43 million invested, 2.8 hectares of brownfield land have been redeveloped. The project will deliver approximately 100 residential units, including apartments and townhouses, housing around 400 residents. Future phases include new public spaces and an education hub serving 2,500 students annually, blending heritage preservation with modern urban living.

Who is on the project team?

Principle Contractor - Barnfield Construction

Architects -  Capita (Phases 1-4), Campbell Driver Partnership (Phases 5-6), DAY (Phase 7)

Public Realm/Landscape -  Capita, DAY 

Project Engineering -  Ridge

Describe the context of this project and the point it has reached in its development. Who was there in this place before development, where have they gone, who is there now and who will be there in future? When is the project expected to be complete?

The Weavers’ Triangle, is a historic area in Burnley, renowned for its Victorian industrial architecture straddling the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Burnley Council have created a unique private/public sector joint venture with Barnfield Investment Properties, which is transforming the area known as “Sandygate” into a thriving community mixing business, enterprise, heritage and education. Prior to development the area was largely derelict and underutilised, with many buildings in a state of disrepair.  This transformation has revitalised a once-neglected area, preserving its historical significance while introducing modern amenities and fostering a vibrant community. The site extends to 3.3ha, in a conservation area with 5 Grade II listed buildings/structures and a range of non-designated heritage assets including former public houses and industrial buildings. The estimated value of the scheme, to date, is £43m. The scheme includes 136 student beds and 16 two bed apartments. Future phases will include approximately 100 residential units including 1 and 2 bed apartments and 2/3 bed townhouses. On completion the scheme will accommodate approximately 400 residents. Approximately 200 people currently work in the area, including circa 100 university staff and approximately 100 people working in small and medium sized businesses and social enterprises. This will rise to over 300 people on completion.

How are you seeking to foster community, welcome visitors and attract tenants? How are you responding to changing demographics, behaviour, market context, policy, transport habits and the climate crisis since winning planning?

The scheme is transformative project for Burnley, creating a vibrant mixed-use area integrating business, education, and residential spaces welcoming visitors, businesses, residents and students. Fostering Community and Welcoming Visitors. Public Spaces: A new public square serves as a central point for social interaction , hosting events like the annual canal festival which attracts around 5,000 visitors. Canal Enhancements, alongside targeted activity by the Canal and Rivers Trust attract visitors, walkers, cyclists, boaters and paddlers. Educational Hub: The UCLAN campus, attracts 2,500 students annually, expected to grow to 4,000. Buildings are designed to foster a campus community with high quality social spaces. Business Collaboration: Slater’s Terrace creates an environment for business innovation and collaboration. Newtown Mill incorporates a Business Interaction zone bringing together business and academia. Heritage and Modernity: Renovating historic buildings to high standards while creating functional modern spaces has preserved the area’s unique character, making it an appealing place to live and work. We have leveraged the Council’s partners to curate a unique mix of tenants. Initially planned as a business and leisure destination, the project adapted to meet UCLAN’s needs. Future phases will include more residential development reflecting growing confidence in the housing market. Sustainability: The project emphasises the reuse of existing buildings and materials, reducing embodied carbon emissions. Sustainable building practices and energy-efficient methods have been employed . It is in a highly sustainable location with good public transport links and upgraded canalside active travel routes.

Please explain the governance of the project, such as its viability, purpose, motivation and any consultation and community engagement undertaken. 

 Civic Pride: the scheme has restored civic pride in Burnley’s industrial heritage. Education/Social Mobility: the proportion of Burnley’s young people progressing to higher education is very low. In Burnley’s most deprived areas only 22.3% progress onto higher education, compared with 50.2% nationally (TUNDRA 2019). Through its widening participation efforts and community outreach the UCLAN campus will help to raise aspiration and make HE accessible amongst local communities. Burnley UCLAN campus: it is estimated that by 2026/27 the UCLAN campus will generate approximately £36m in GVA per annum to the local economy and support circa 250 Full Time Equivalent jobs (HATCH 2019). The project has supported c.90 FTE construction jobs/annum during its lifetime. The project has created c30,000 sq. ft of commercial space supporting approx. 100 jobs. The JV partnership has a commitment to local supply chains, with over 60% of purchases being made from local (East Lancashire) businesses including professional services, sub-contractors and material suppliers. By repurposing existing structures studies show that embodied carbon can be reduced by up to 60%. Suitable waste material has been recycled on site to create levels.