MP: "Ambleside building re-development is down to our campaign!"

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news from the University of Cumbria that first newly constructed building on the University of Cumbria's redeveloped campus at Ambleside will be opened soon.

'The Barn' provides learning spaces, social and flexible areas, a wireless environment and reception services for the campus and the library. The university's student support services are also located there to support all students, staff and visitors on campus, as well as the new Barn Café which is integral to the space.

The technology facilities at The Barn are extensive and the first floor library has a full range of books, journals, dissertations and access to the electronic library of the university. Student learning spaces have been designed for both formal and informal learning as well as confidential spaces and flexi rooms for private student services provision.

The work on the campus will include:

• Demolition of the 'Airport lounge' an area between Scale How and the lecture theatre
• External repairs to the external envelope at Scale How
• External landscaping
• External lighting and CCTV
• Refurbishment of the Percival Lecture Theatre
• Refurbishment of the Cluster Block teaching and office space
• New laboratories in the CharlotteMasonBuilding

Tim said: "It's great to hear that this work is moving on apace and that the first building will open soon! The campus will see some major refurbishment and repairs and see new laboratories built on site. I hope we can use these labs in order to create a high tech science and technology hub in the South Lakes. In South Cumbria we already have businesses like Croppers, Gilkes and GlaxoSmithKline and we should be working with them to bring business and education together. This is a massive boost to our local economy - we've fought for many years to make this happen, and we are right to celebrate this important next step forward."