Interserve has been awarded a contract, worth over £10 million, by the University of York to build a new research centre.

The deal is part of its £35 million investment by the York Global Initiative for Safe Autonomy.

The £10.4m contract will involve Interserve Construction in the development of specialist laboratories and testing facilities, which will be used to investigate everything from driverless cars, to hospital robots, to ensuring that robots and artificial intelligence (AI) are safe.

The York Global Initiative for Safe Autonomy, based on the Heslington East campus, is expected to help strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in the safe introduction of advanced technology. It will bring together industrial partners and world experts in the field, housing up to 100 researchers and support staff.

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Work on the new building, which will include a rooftop lab and specialist robotics design and testing equipment, will begin in November 2020 and it will open in 2021.

Interserve Construction has a long-standing relationship with the University of York having previously delivered a range of facilities including the Hull York Medical School, the £27m Piazza Learning Centre and the redevelopment of the Heslington campus.

John Gittins, Divisional Director, Interserve Construction said: "Our work with the York Global Initiative for Safe Autonomy underscores our capabilities in delivering world class education and research facilities across the UK.

"We are delighted to be working once again with one of the world's premier institutions for life-changing research. This is the latest of several projects we have delivered with the University of York and we remain very proud of our association with one of the north's leading education and research universities."