Lancashire vet school granted planning permission
The new school will contain simulated operating theatres.
Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a state-of-the-art veterinary school in Lancashire.
The decision by Preston City Council paves the way for a new 45,000 square feet building, located on UCLan’s Greenbank Car Park, Victoria Street, on the Preston Campus.
Due to be completed in 2024, the school will be the first of its kind in Lancashire and the UK’s 11th veterinary school.
It will be built over three floors, with high-specification anatomical skills laboratories created alongside simulated clinical facilities. There will also be a pharmacy, diagnostic suite and simulated operating theatres, a microscopy laboratory, dental room, offices and teaching rooms.
The project will also see a refurbishment of a ground floor section of the Greenbank Building, including kennel facilities, simulated consultation rooms and a rehabilitation suite.
Dr Heather Bacon OBE, head of UCLan’s School of Veterinary Medicine, said: "We’re delighted Preston City Council has approved our state-of-the-art plan so we can now start working on creating our technologically advanced veterinary school. Our new School of Veterinary Medicine will play a major role in developing the veterinary practitioners and leaders of the future and supporting economic growth in the north.
“We’re incredibly excited to open the first Vet School in Lancashire, which will offer students purpose-built training facilities and the highest of education and professional standards.”
Sarah Myers, senior planner in Cushman & Wakefield’s Planning, Development & Strategic Advisory team, said: “We are delighted to secure planning permission for UCLan's School of Veterinary Medicine. This significant investment will be a real asset to the region. It's been a pleasure supporting UCLan throughout the process and we look forward to seeing construction work begin next year."
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
