Contractor appointed for AMRC North West

The University of Sheffield has appointed Robertson to build its dedicated Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in the North West of England, boosting Lancashire’s reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative regions for advanced manufacturing and extending the AMRC’s footprint across the north.

The University of Sheffield AMRC North West will be constructed at the heart of the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone in Preston, part of the wider Lancashire Advanced Manufacturing and Energy Cluster.

A £20M grant from Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal will be used to build and equip the 4,500m2 applied research centre, which will accelerate and demonstrate innovative technologies, tools and techniques.

Steve Foxley, CEO, University of Sheffield AMRC, said: “We are pleased to have appointed Robertson as the contractor for our new dedicated applied research facility in the North West. This is an important step in realising our vision for the North and beyond.

“The new facility will not only place Lancashire at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and technologies, but it will be a catalyst for inward investment, supporting businesses in the region to innovate, drive up productivity, and lead manufacturing towards a smart, sustainable and resilient future.”

Robertson was awarded the £11M construction contract following a competitive tender process by the University of Sheffield. Work is expected to start on site in September and complete during the second half of 2021.