The UK's first virtual construction training centre has been officially opened by Sir John Egan in Coventry.

The £8.7 million ACT-UK Simulation Centre, which is only the second of its kind in the world, will enable construction site managers to be trained as though on a real site, using pioneering technology. A 12-metre, panoramic screen recreates a wide variety of scenarios, meaning trainees could be 'virtually' on-site at anything from a small, rural affordable housing scheme, to an inner-city high-rise office development.

The Centre sets a new standard for leadership and management training in the industry, giving site managers the opportunity to deal with demanding lifelike situations and covering issues such as health & safety, waste reduction and team performance.


Advantage West Midlands contributed £6.6 million to fund the centre, which also levered in a further £2.1 million from Coventry University Enterprises Ltd, Construction Skills, Learning and Skills Council Coventry and Warwickshire and construction industry private sector investors.

The technology means trainees can 'fly' through the virtual construction site, inspecting building work in close detail, giving them an opportunity to make decisions in a safe and controlled environment, supported by individual observation, evaluation and feedback.

The Centre was developed by ACT-UK with expert technical consultation from the construction industry including NHBC, and supported by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). It is modelled on the Building Management Simulation Centre in the Netherlands and uses the latest technological advances now available.

In his speech, Sir John Egan, Chancellor of Coventry University and Chairman of the 1998 Construction Task Force and its report, said: "Rethinking Construction, said: "The launch shows the determination of the industry to further develop its leadership and professionalism. The immediate capability of the centre is fantastic but its future potential is absolutely huge."

(CD/GK)