Steel shapes University’s innovation

Construction of the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) £30M-plus Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC), a major milestone within the £200M Preston campus master plan, is under way.

Working on behalf of main contractor BAM Construction, Elland Steel Structures is nearing completion of its package that includes the erection of 700t of steel.

The state-of-the art six-storey steel-framed facility, which will establish UCLan as a leader in engineering innovation, is anticipated to produce an increase of 500 locally trained graduates per year in areas including aerospace, mechanical and energy technologies and engineering.

Staff, students, and companies within the region will have access to top of the range equipment including flight simulators, Formula One cars and specialist electronic labs, which will allow students to work on live, real world projects.

SimpsonHaugh has led on the design of the facility in collaboration with Reiach and Hall Architects. BDP, which was founded in Preston, is providing engineering expertise, while AA Projects is providing project management, employer’s agent, quantity surveying and CDM services.

Michael Ahern, Chief Operating Officer at UCLan, said: “The work on site marks another exciting milestone for our campus master plan and the creation of a powerful hub for developing and nurturing skills.

“The EIC will address the skills deficit in engineering specialists in Lancashire and nationally. A skilled engineering workforce is essential for the economy and the benefit of wider society.

“It has an important part to play, not just in confirming Lancashire’s role as a national centre for advanced manufacturing, but in maintaining the UK’s international leadership in engineering and innovation.”

Simon Atkinson, Project Manager for BAM, added: “We are thrilled to be constructing such an exciting building for UCLan and the first project in the master plan that will transform the campus and the city of Preston.

“This is our 34th university project in the north west, so our team understands the importance of both minimising disruption and engaging staff, students and the local community in the project as much as possible.”