Plans for a new £10.1 million centre providing high specification laboratory and workshop space for science and engineering businesses in Wolverhampton have been submitted.
The proposed Science, Technology and Prototyping Centre will be built on land at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.
The three-storey development will offer 43,000 sq ft of space comprising offices, labs and workshops, as well as a café and space for parking.
The project has been funded through a £4.8 million grant from the Growth Deal to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remaining £5.3 million coming from the University of Wolverhampton.
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.
“It comes at a time when the University has recently completed an investment of some £22m in a new Science Centre on the Wolverhampton Campus, which provides students with world class teaching and research facilities.
“The new Science, Technology and Prototyping Centre will attract new businesses to the region involved in Science and Technology research and development as well as retaining STEM based graduates in the region who will help these businesses grow.
“Such a development will have a major impact on our local economy through improved competitiveness and new job creation.”
Stewart Towe, Chairman of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership said: “This project demonstrates confidence in the Black Country’s bright economic future. By providing support for businesses and equipping the next generation with the skills they need, we are confident that projects like this will increase our competitive ability and increase products that are made in the Black Country and sold around the world.”
Plans for the centre have been submitted to the City of Wolverhampton Council for consideration. Pending approval it is hoped work can get under way on the development by February 2016, with a planned 12-month build period.
