The 60,000 sq ft High Temperature Research Centre is being developed in association with Rolls-Royce and will help to develop future generations of aero engines, making greener, more efficient air travel possible.
According to construction information specialist Glenigan the firm has beaten Galliford Try, Interserve and Vinci to take the research facility job, which is being built at Ansty Park, near Coventry.
Rolls-Royce is providing £40m of funding for the centre with the Higher Education Funding Council for England investing £20m.
The HTRC will operate as a casting, design, simulation and advanced-manufacturing research facility. It contain a variety of equipment including furnaces, die casting equipment, automated processes and other specialist equipment.
Mace is project manager and Couch Perry & Wilkes Partnership, M&E Consultant.
University of Birmingham professor David Eastwood said: “The breaking of ground symbolises the first step in the construction of this unique facility, which will build on the university’s excellent track-record in casting, materials, engineering and manufacturing research, and will continue to strengthen the relationship between the university and Rolls-Royce.”