Work starts on £20m advanced manufacturing research centre in Lancashire

The site is situated next to BAE Systems in Samlesbury

Luke Hall, Minister of State for Regional Growth and Local Government, made the comments to mark the first steps in building the 4,500 square metre applied research centre at the heart of the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone.

Mr Hall said: “We are delighted to be backing the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) North West with a £20 million Local Growth Fund investment.

“This project will place Lancashire as a leader in innovation-driven, sustainable economic growth and will act as a catalyst for further inward investment.

An impression of how the centre will look

“It will also support the creation of highly skilled jobs, bringing opportunities and prosperity to the local community.”

The flagship facility is being built using a £20m grant from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal.

It extends the University of Sheffield AMRC’s footprint across the north.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a turf cutting will be held virtually, bringing together key figures involved in the major development.

Steve Fogg, Chairman of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, said: ‘’It is fantastic that work has now started on the AMRC North West facility on the Samlesbury site.

“The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership has invested £20m from our Growth Deal programme as we are confident in the AMRC’s ability to drive growth and increase productivity to ensure Lancashire remains at the forefront of innovative and cutting-edge technologies.”

He said the fact that AMRC had decided to locate the superb facility in the heart of Lancashire was testament to the expertise and talent the county had.