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Work starts on high-tech science and technology centre

19/02/2016

Work starts on high-tech science and technology centre

Work has now started on the £10.1m centre which will provide high specification laboratory and workshop space for science and engineering businesses in Wolverhampton.

The Science, Technology and Prototyping Centre is being built on land at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the site this week (Tuesday 16 February) to mark the start of work.

The three storey development will offer 4,000 square metres of space and feature high quality offices, labs and workshops, as well as a café and space for parking.

The project has been funded through a £4.8m grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3m coming from the University of Wolverhampton.

Designed by the Fairhurst Design Group and built by Clegg Construction, the new centre will offer unrivalled specialist space to scientific-based businesses wanting to develop and enhance their research and development activities.

Contractor starts works on Science Park redevelopment

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Oakes, said: “This exciting new development will be the only facility of its type in the Black Country and will build on the University’s investment in science and engineering in the last two years.

“We already have around 80 businesses based at the Science Park and this new centre will attract another 30 science and technology-based companies right to heart of Wolverhampton.

“It is a huge opportunity for the city and the University. We want to work with these businesses to help them grow and develop new products and processes and also give our students the chance for placements and graduate jobs.

“Job creation is a huge priority for the city and the Science, Technology and Prototyping Centre will attract new businesses bringing with them high-value jobs for the area and for graduates.”

The centre is due to be completed in Spring 2017.

Picture Caption: (Left to Right): Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UoW – Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor, UoW – Mr Ninder Johal, Black Country Chamber President & Black Country LEP Board Member – Mr Nigel Babb, Commercial Director, UoW Science Park – Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, Wolverhampton City Council – Mr Tim Walker, Construction Director, Clegg Construction Ltd

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003.

Date Issued: Thursday 18 February 2016

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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