A new centre of engineering is due for completion in the city during the early part of 2019.

Those driving around the Adelphi roundabout will have seen the University of Central Lancashire’s new glass-fronted building taking shape.

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The Engineering Innovation Centre aims to put Preston at the heart of training the next generation of of aerospace, mechanical and energy technology engineers.

Costing £35million the building has seen tours by major employers in Lancashire and students currently studying at UCLan.

Executive dean for the faculty of science and technology professor Ian Allison said: “It’s great to see the EIC taking shape and seeing our plans come to fruition. Within Lancashire, Preston’s historical strength has been in manufacturing and engineering, our aim for the EIC is to help ensure we are at the forefront of the new ‘digital’ industrial revolution; supporting new generations of engineers and shaping the future of skills development in our city, as well as Lancashire and the North West as a whole.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the EIC completed and welcoming students and academics into the building in early 2019.”

The building is due to be the base for Juno – the work on the world’s first graphene-skinned plane.

Prof Allison said: “What we’re also enthused about is the excitement and willingness of industry partners to get involved from a variety of sectors including automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, and energy. Our strong links with industry ensure our course portfolio and research is aligned with the current and future demands of business, enabling us to develop sought-after graduates who thrive in the workplace.

“This has been one of the defining features of the EIC since the initial discussions began and we look forward to working with our partners to create the engineers of the future.

“Ensuring talented people from all walks of life make the most of their potential and go into employment, often within the North West region, is a staple of why UCLan is a major economic and social anchor.”

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Contractors BAM Construction are making the final touches to the building ready for handing over to the university early in 2019.

The building is part of the £200million masterplan for the university’s Preston campus which includes changing the Adelphi roundabout to become Adelphi square.

Read more: UCLan’s vice-chancellor quits after four years in the role

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