The £16m NERIC building is part of the £2.5bn Crescent masterplan – a 240-acre major regeneration scheme being delivered by the University of Salford, Salford City Council and development partner, The English Cities Fund – a strategic joint venture between Muse Developments, Legal & General and Homes England.

Ameon’s contract will include power systems for the centre’s robots, together with the full range of MEP services, including the installation of heating and cooling via air source heat pumps.

A feature of the centre is its industrial feel, with services exposed, which has placed strong emphasis on 3-D modelling to ensure that the functionality of services is matched by their aesthetic and architectural value to the overall design scheme.

The world class learning environment will be the University of Salford’s base for robotics and automation specialists to pilot and test cutting edge digital technology with industry partners, and will house a number of robots, within three large laboratories, which will focus on intelligent infrastructure and automation.

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and research England, NERIC will be a hub  for small to medium  businesses looking to design, test and validate innovations for applications across a range of industry sectors.

Ameon managing director, Robin Lawson, said: “This centre will provide 21st century technology and facilities for students and for the University’s industry partners.  It will be a major asset to the North West, and we are relishing our role in its development, through our client, Morgan Sindall Construction.”

Shaun Jones, Greater Manchester area director, Morgan Sindall Construction said: “The NERIC is an inspiring project and is bringing together some of the most dynamic companies in order create the perfect environment for the  University’s brightest minds to study, research and develop the new technologies that will improve the world around us.

“We’re thrilled to have Ameon on board and look forward to working with their brilliant team as the project moves towards completion.”