The project has been designed with the dual purpose of helping students nurture their creative talents, whilst also providing a base where fledgling local businesses can be incubated and grow.

As such it provides studio space, high tech workspaces and offices, theatre halls and something called CETH.

CETH is the Centre for Employability Through the Humanities and aims to provide the solution to that age-old quandary of ‘just how do you go about getting a proper job with a humanities degree?’

UCLAN has been quick to realise that supporting the sector means more than simply assiting its students though and, as a result, has made the top floor of the Media Factory into a business incubation space.

This 24/7 facility has the space for 25 small businesses to take advantage of new PCs and internet connections, while many more can enjoy the benefits of the ‘Northern Lights’ mentoring programme and ‘Sandbox’ ideas centre.

Talking about this huge addition to the University’s facilities, Professor Patrick McGhee, Vice Chancellor of UCLan, said:

“Our creative students now have a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art building dedicated to providing realistic exposure to the media world.

“From the retractable seating in the theatres to the green room in the production studios, we have spared no expense to create the very best facilities for UCLan students, and we expect the Media Factory to reinforce our reputation for creative excellence.”

 “Investment in developing a world class creative and digital business sector in the North West has the potential to create up to 10,000 jobs and bring £170 million to the regional economy.

“The Media Factory allows students, North West university graduates, budding entrepreneurs and small businesses to develop the skills they need to progress within this sector.”

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