Northern Powerhouse Minister breaks ground on UCLan’s new £30m engineering hub

Andrew Percy MP, the Northern Powerhouse Minister, was at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) this week to kick off construction work on the university’s £30m Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC).

As part of a wider tour of Lancashire, Mr Percy took part in a turf-cutting ceremony to break ground on the facility, which is the first milestone in the completion of UCLan’s 10-year £200m Campus Masterplan.

When it opens in 2018, the EIC will aim to deliver on a range of objectives, including repositioning Lancashire as a national centre for advanced manufacturing.

The facility will also work to ensure local skills reflect social and economic needs, while increasing the number of women in engineering.

Pro-chancellor and chair of the UCLan Board, David Taylor, said: “We are delighted that Andrew could join us today to officially mark the development phase of our £30m-plus Engineering Innovation Centre.

“The university is poised to become a real leader in engineering innovation, providing a world-class facility for young people to realise their potential, and the lifeblood for the North West region to maintain its position as the powerhouse of engineering and manufacturing in the UK.”

UCLan vice-chancellor Prof. Mike Thomas commented: “Beginning work on the EIC building signifies a key phase of the UCLan Masterplan that will spark regeneration and business investment in the university quarter of the city, with wider benefits for Preston and the region.”

Andrew Percy’s visit follows the announcement that UCLan has become an official Northern Powerhouse Partner, joining a list of regional leaders who strongly believe in the potential to grow the economy of the North, attract investment and create jobs.

The Minister said: “Building the Northern Powerhouse is central to our plans to create an economy that works for everyone.

“We’re backing the North with the investment and powers it needs to fulfil its huge untapped potential and I’m pleased to see businesses here, working alongside the Lancashire LEP, are pledging their support.”

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