University’s Engineering Innovation Centre scoops major design award

16 September 2020

Facility described as representing ‘the very best of educational contemporary design’

A £35 million state-of-the-art teaching and research facility at the University of Central Lancashire has been recognised by claiming a major design award.

The University’s Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) won a Scottish Design Award in the architecture category for an education building or project.

The building, which was designed by SimpsonHaugh and Reiach and Hall Architects in partnership together, and built by main contractor, BAM Construction, opened to students last year.

Described by the judging panel as representing ‘ the very best of educational contemporary design’, the EIC provides cutting-edge research and teaching facilities including an additive manufacturing lab (3D printing), an advanced manufacturing workshop, an intelligent systems facility, a motorsports and air vehicles lab, a high-performance computing lab, a flight simulator suite as well as a fire, oil and gas facility.

Through courses shaped by industry demand and continuous collaboration, the Centre aims to improve productivity across the North West, helping to support the innovation needs of 1,300 regional small and medium enterprises now and in the future.

"The design of the building was carefully planned through our design partners to encourage creativity and inspiration in engineering"

Michael Ahern, UCLan’s Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer

Michael Ahern, UCLan’s Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer, said: “In addition to having world class facilities, the stunning design of the Engineering Innovation Centre has offered a facelift to the entire campus and will complement the Student Centre and Civic Square currently being constructed.

“The design of the building was carefully planned through our design partners to encourage creativity and inspiration in engineering, such as the exposed structure which encourages students to observe the work going on around them as they learn.”

Identified as a signature project within Lancashire’s Strategic Economic Plan, the EIC secured £10.5 million worth of funding via the Lancashire Enterprise Partnerships’ Growth Deal with the Government. The facility has also received £5.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and £5 million from HEFCE’s STEM Capital Fund.

The EIC forms part of the University’s £200 million Masterplan, which also includes a new student support centre, improvements to the public realm and highways around the Adelphi roundabout as well as new social spaces facilities and a new multi-faith centre, all at the University's Preston Campus.