IMAGES have been released of a state-of-the-art engineering centre which recently secured £5 million funding.

The Advanced Engineering Centre at University of Brighton will provide cutting-edge facilities for the next generation of professional engineers.

It has been backed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) which has given £5 million – on top of £7 million Government backing.

The project is part of the university’s Centre for Excellence in Internal Combustion Research which will specialise in mechanical, automotive and aerospace engineering.

It is being established with Shoreham-based Ricardo, a world-leading technical and environmental consultancy which specialises in low carbon vehicle technology.

Collaborative projects include the search for the near-zero emissions internal combustion engine.

The centre is part of the university’s £150 million redevelopment scheme for its Moulsecoomb campus which includes Preston Barracks, a partnership scheme between the university and Brighton and Hove City Council.

Professor Andrew Lloyd, dean of the university’s college of life, health and physical sciences, said: “These facilities will provide a unique opportunity for our undergraduate and postgraduate students to study alongside our researchers and engineers from Ricardo and undertake industrially relevant projects at the forefront of engineering within the research facilities.

“In addition to inspiring more young people to study STEM subjects, we aim to support their transition from education to employment through our career-focussed approach to learning in this new and exciting educational environment.”

The centre, based on the Moulsecoomb Campus, will include new and refurbished accommodation and facilities for hi-tech, design-led manufacturing to support other companies in the region.

Work is expected to start in June next year, for completion in November 2016.

The university is also co-sponsoring a £12 million University Technical College (UTC) at Newhaven which will give 14 to 18-year-olds academic and technical education in science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM), with a focus on the growing marine engineering and environmental technology sectors. The HEFCE said investment in universities and colleges was “badly needed” to meet the increased interest in science and engineering. Vince Cable, Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “This investment will mean world-class teaching facilities to build tomorrow's skilled workforce.

“It's just one way we are ensuring the UK remains a world leader in science and research, as set out in this week's Science and Innovation strategy.”

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