A MULTI-MILLION pound project could increase the number of students attracted to a town tenfold.

The ambitious project announced by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) could see as many as 4,000 being taught in Burnley by 2025.

Under the plans, UCLan will use the former University Technical College Lancashire’s Victoria Mill building in Trafalgar Street, subject to contract.

The scheme will see UCLan working in collaboration with its strategic partners Burnley Borough Council and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, and alongside the Burnley Bondholders group of influential local business leaders.

Pro-chancellor and chairman of the UCLan board David Taylor said: “This investment in Burnley is an exciting development which demonstrates our commitment as a university to Burnley and Pennine Lancashire and to helping to be a force for economic growth and social mobility across the county and beyond.”

Among the subject areas will be business and professional disciplines, health and social care and digital and technical provision, and will include degree apprenticeships as well as traditional degrees at both undergraduate and master’s levels.

A spokesman for the university added: "Burnley is unique and we are thrilled to be involved through a multi-million pound investment where new infrastructure will be part of our plans.”

The new provision will be distributed across the university’s existing Burnley Campus, Burnley General Hospital and the newly-acquired Victoria Mill.

Burnley Borough Council leader Cllr Mark Townsend said: “I am extremely pleased that UCLan has, subject to contract, secured Victoria Mill, as their presence will help to revitalise that part of the Weavers’ Triangle.”

Julie Cooper , Burnley and Padiham MP, said: “As Shadow Health Minister I was particularly pleased by the opportunities on offer in health-related fields due to the link with East Lancashire Health Trust.

“At a time when the future sometimes seems uncertain, I am delighted we continue to plan for Burnley and Padiham moving forward positively.”