BAM Construction has started work on a new £30 million Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) for the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

The facility is being built as part of UCLan's £200m Campus Masterplan scheme and completion is scheduled for 2019.

Designed by architects SimpsonHaugh in in collaboration with Reiach and Hall Architects, work has started on piling activities to form of the foundations for the six-storey building. Once the foundations are complete, work will begin on the retaining wall and concrete cores of the building before starting the steel frame.

Other members of the project team include BDP, which is providing engineering expertise, while AA Projects is providing project management, employer's agent, quantity surveying and CDM services.

-- Advertisement --

Overall, the new facility will establish UCLan as a leader in engineering innovation and is anticipated to produce an increase of 500 locally trained graduates per year in areas including aerospace, mechanical and energy technologies and engineering.

Michael Ahern, Chief Operating Officer at UCLan, 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.

"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 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."

(LM/MH)