The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) recently completed Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) has scooped its first industry award.

The £35 million-plus facility was named Building Services Project of the Year (North West) at the 2019 Specifi awards for the mechanical and electrical work carried out by BDP.

The news comes just weeks before the EIC opens its doors to the first intake of students this academic year.

The EIC will play its part in producing an increase of hundreds of locally trained graduates per year in areas including aerospace, mechanical and energy technologies and engineering.

Read more: Final beam swung into place as UCLan’s Engineering Innovation Centre moves to next stage

Designed by internationally renowned architects SimpsonHaugh working in partnership with Reiach and Hall Architects, it was built by main contractor BAM.

Robert Ferry, Principal at BDP, said: “As a former student at UCLan I was personally very excited when we were commissioned to deliver the EIC building with our architect friends at Simpson Haugh and Reiach & Hall.

“The finished product really is a fantastic building that will provide UClan and the surrounding business community with a facility in which to collaborate and build on the rich engineering heritage within the area.

“To receive awards for the scheme is icing on the cake and testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the project. Well done all.”

Michael Ahern, UCLan’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Construction of the EIC has recently completed and it’s fantastic that this milestone has coincided with the building’s first award win.

“Congratulations to the team involved at BDP. We’re looking forward to the EIC welcoming students when they return for the new academic year in September and showcasing this impressive facility.”

Identified as a signature project within Lancashire’s Strategic Economic Plan, the EIC has secured £10.5 million via the Lancashire Enterprise Partnerships’ Growth Deal with the Government.

Read more: Plans to create an urban village in the Stoneygate area have been unveiled

The new facility has also received £5.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and £5 million from HEFCE’s STEM Capital Fund.

While enhancing Lancashire’s position as one of the most renowned engineering and manufacturing regions in the UK, the EIC will establish the University as one of the UK’s leading universities for engineering innovation by driving new discoveries and developments in emerging fields such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, drone technology and The Internet of Things.

The facility will also become a regional hotbed for promoting collaboration and knowledge transfer between University researchers, industry experts, businesses and students.

What do you think of the Engineering Innovation Centre? Leave your comments below.