Work begins on UCLan’s £30m Engineering Innovation Centre

Construction work on the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) £30m Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) is now underway.

The state-of-the art facility, part of the university’s £200m Campus Masterplan, is anticipated to deliver an increase of 500 graduates per year in areas such as aerospace, engineering and mechanical and energy technologies.

Manchester building firm BAM Construction is on site delivering the six-storey development, which is forecast for completion in 2019.

UCLan said staff, students and businesses in the region will have access to top of the range equipment at the EIC, including Formula One cars, flight simulators and specialist electronic labs.

Architects SimpsonHaugh led on the design of the facility, collaborating with Edinburgh practice Reiach and Hall Architects.

Engineering expertise is being provided by BDP. AA Projects is on board providing project management, quantity surveying and other services.

UCLan’s chief operating officer, Michael Ahern, said: “The start of work on site marks another exciting milestone for our Campus Masterplan 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.”

He added: “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.”

BAM project manager Simon Atkinson commented: “We are thrilled to have started construction of such an exciting building for UCLan and the first project in the Masterplan, 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.”

SimpsonHaugh partner David Green said: “We are delighted to be involved in the creation of this dynamic, outward looking Engineering Innovation Centre which will act as a showcase for the work of UCLan, directly addressing the key public space at the heart of the university’s masterplan and providing a wide range of teaching, workshop and industry engagement spaces.”

Paul Hughes, project lead for AA Projects, commented: “It is fantastic to see work commencing on site for this pioneering development that will help to drive innovation in the region and knowledge exchange between the University and wider industry.”