The University of Sheffield AMRC North West will be constructed at the heart of the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone.

A £20m grant from Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal will be used to build and equip the 4,500m² applied research centre, which will accelerate and demonstrate innovative technologies, tools and techniques.

Robertson was awarded the £11m construction contract following a competitive tender process by the University of Sheffield.

Work is expected to start on site in September and complete during the second half of 2021.

Steve Foxley, CEO, University of Sheffield AMRC, said: “We are pleased to have appointed Robertson as the contractor for our new dedicated applied research facility in the North West. This is an important step in realising our vision for the North and beyond.

“The new facility will not only place Lancashire at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and technologies, but it will be a catalyst for inward investment, supporting businesses in the region to innovate, drive up productivity, and lead manufacturing towards a smart, sustainable and resilient future.”

Dirk Pittaway, managing director, Robertson North West, said: “Our appointment to build AMRC North West illustrates further the commitment of the University of Sheffield to deliver a world-class facility for the incredible work that will be undertaken.

“As a business with a strong North West presence we will be working wherever we can with local supply chain partners, further bolstering the local economy and proudly providing a platform for AMRC North West to take its place on the global stage.”

Alongside Robertson a full design team is in place including Cartwright Pickard Architects, Curtins Engineers, Arup, Gardiner and Theobald, and Rex Procter and Partners.