The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering's (NMITE) Skylon Campus is set for major new developments after securing £1.6m of funding for its new manufacturing centre. The scheme is set to create 100 construction jobs.
Located in Hereford, NMITE’s Skylon Campus comprises three new Centres with a total capacity to host 600 future learners, degree apprenticeship and CPD short course participants.
The Centre for Automated Manufacturing (CAM) has been awarded an additional £1.6m of funding by the Marches LEP as part of a multimillion-pound investment across the region by the government’s Getting Building Fund (GBF). NMITE has also appointed RRA Architects to design the CAM.
Elena Rodriguez-Falcon, president and chief executive of NMITE, said: "NMITE warmly welcomes this further funding which will be used to accelerate the construction and will result in over 100 local construction jobs.
"The CAM itself will impart the skills required for the delivery of Industry 4.0 or the fourth industrial revolution, intended to boost manufacturing output and digital connectivity.
"Through its work with partners and businesses, we anticipate that the CAM’s legacy will be to enhance automation capability through skills, training and applied research."
Having received planning consent through the Local Development Order Process and with its funding agreement for £5.66m from the Local Growth Fund now in place, NMITE has appointed local firm Speller Metcalfe as its main contractor for the Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT).
Stuart Brisbane, head of estates at NMITE, said: "Throughout the tight procurement process Speller Metcalf demonstrated not only a passion for the Hereford area and a commitment to local spending but a real understanding of NMITE, including offering some exciting and imaginative ways to use this building project to offer hands on learning opportunities.
"Together with our partners, we fully intend to create a flexible space focussed on the progression of timber manufacturing and advanced production techniques, innovation and creativity that can evolve over time to inspire and train many future generations."
NMITE’s plans for Skylon Campus are due to be completed in 2022.
