Councillors have given planning consent for the Campus for Future Living to be built in the Lincolnshire seaside town of Mablethorpe.
The decision will put the town at the forefront of medical technology and innovation thanks to the development of a centre for health and care related teaching and research, with laboratories, consultation and lecture spaces, and ancillary facilities, and develop a national centre for piloting best practice in rural settings, particularly focused on e-medicine.
Led by a coalition of local, regional, and national partners, the Campus for Future Living will provide a base for the development and testing of medi-tech applications, enable the continued professional development of clinicians, and will provide support and training for people working in care.
Cllr William Gray, the political lead at East Lindsey District Council for the project, said: “This is a fantastic development which will transform Mablethorpe and put it on the map for the national significance it will play in developing new medical technology and innovation.
“Not only will it help create jobs, it will bring new opportunities for the people who live and work in Mablethorpe. By working with our local health partners, the University of Lincoln through the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, it means we have been able to put a pioneering scheme together which will attract more healthcare professionals to East Lindsey.”
Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast commented: “Through the Campus for Future Living, we have a unique opportunity for Mablethorpe to become a nationally-recognised leader in medical technology and innovation. Now, with planning consent, we can work towards translating the exciting vision for this project into reality, and bring far-reaching benefits for our communities, and beyond.
“The Campus for Future Living is set to bring a national exemplar in its field to Mablethorpe bringing jobs, investments and opportunities”
Julian Free CBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lincoln said: “The Campus will provide the resources for research and innovation alongside facilities for medical and social care delivery creating the synergy to accelerate improvement in health outcomes, which will also be exported beyond the region.”
