The college’s academic strategy aims to support tutors and learners to develop more independent learning approaches, including flexible forms of learning and teaching via a blended learning model. This strategy recognises that formal teaching space may not necessarily be the best way to attract, retain and support student achievement, or to support a variety of learning styles. In response to this challenge, the Learning Gateway (LG) at the Carlisle campus was conceived, designed and built as a catalyst for change, to further support the college’s flexible and distributed learning aspirations. The college is currently working towards achieving taught degree awarding powers, university title and the formation of a new University for Cumbria, from 1 August 2007. The Learning Gateway is managed by Learning and Information Services (LIS), a converged service offering library, IT, media and learning technology services to the college. LIS has had a major role in conceiving and developing the space and this article explains how this was achieved