UCLan’s Innovation centre under way

Construction of the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) £30M Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC), a major milestone within the £200M Campus Master Plan, is under way.

The state-of-the art 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.

BAM Construction is on site delivering the scheme, which is due for completion in 2019. Steelwork contractor Elland Steel Structures will erect approximately 650t of steel for scheme.

Michael Ahern, Chief Operating Officer at UCLan, said: “The start of 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.”