VIDEO | Engineering Innovation Centre completed in Preston
Construction of the University of Central Lancashire’s £35m Engineering Innovation Centre has finished, with a timelapse video released showing progress on the building from concept to completion.
The facility, designed by Reiach & Hall alongside SimpsonHaugh, and built by Bam Construction, is part of the university’s £250m masterplan being delivered at the Preston campus.
The building hosts specialist training space with equipment including flight simulators, a graphene centre, automotive research and manufacturing, and specialist electronic labs, all with an aim of producing 500 additional locally-trained engineering graduates each year.
The facility is intended to act as a venue for collaboration and knowledge transfer between University researchers, industry experts, businesses and students. Focus areas include research into 3D printing, artificial intelligence, drone technology and the Internet of Things.
Michael Ahern, chief operating officer at UCLan, said: “The EIC is set to be a real asset to the University and the region, bringing enormous educational and economic benefits now and for generations to come. It really is an impressive building that forms a cornerstone of our masterplan development, providing our region with access to top of the range facilities, research expertise and student talent.
“We are now at the stage of incorporating all our IT infrastructure and moving into place a huge range of engineering-related kit including flight simulators, manufacturing hardware and software and motorsports equipment. Everything will be in place and ready for when our student return for the new academic year in September.”
The EIC secured £10.5m via the Lancashire Enterprise Partnerships’ Growth Deal with the Government. The facility also received £5.8m from the European Regional Development Fund and £5m from Higher Education Funding Council for England.
