Wolverhampton's £10 million university science centre taking shape

The main building is taking shape at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, just off Stafford Road, with work on schedule for completion early summer 2017.

Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: "We're really pleased with the progress being made at the new £10 million Science, Technology and Prototyping Centre.

"This exciting new development – which is really beginning to take shape – will be the only facility of its type in the Black Country and will build on the University's continued investment in science and engineering over the past two years. Our aim through this major investment is to contribute to the economic regeneration of the city by attracting new businesses to the region involved in Science and Technology research and development. The substantial investment will have a major impact on the local economy through improved competitiveness and new job creation."

The project has been part-funded through a £4.8m grant from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as part of the growth deal with the remaining £5.3m invested by the University of Wolverhampton.

The new state-of-the-art, three storey development will offer 4,000 square metres of space, featuring high specification laboratories, workshops and offices - a combination of facilities not currently available in the Black Country.

The new premises will provide capacity for up to forty new businesses focuses on science and technology based activities, with confirmation of the new tenants expected inn the next few months.

Stewart Towe, Black Country LEP Chair said: "The Growth Fund is helping the Black Country LEP to invest in, and change the landscape of, the whole Black Country.

"With new build specialist facilities such as the Science, Technology and Prototyping Centre we can continue to develop skills, learning and job creation within this sector and in doing so continue our work to secure a strong economic future for the Black Country."

It is one of a number of multi-million pound schemes being carried out by the university as it spends £250m over five years. Money will be spent on a host of ongoing projects, including the £65m Springfield Brewery construction college, a £25m science block and an £18m business school. Meanwhile, last month plans for a new manufacturing skills centre at the university's Springfield Campus as part of an £11.75m project were submitted.