The Rt Hon. the Lord Willetts, Chair of the UK Space Agency Board and former Minister of State for Universities and Science, officially opened a new regional center for engineering excellence at the University of Southampton Science Park.
The Engineering Centre is the latest addition to Southampton Science Park’s prestigious portfolio, providing state-of-the-art facilities for science and technology businesses. This facility includes specialised laboratories, workshops, office spaces, and collaboration zones, catering to various industrial sectors such as eco-hydraulics, electronics, transport research, aerospace, energy, unmanned systems, and hydraulic flumes. Additionally, the Centre houses the Future Towns Innovation Hub, a collaborative venture between industry and academia, led by the University of Southampton in partnership with the Enterprise M3 LEP and Research England.
Engineering is a crucial industry in the UK, employing over six million people (19% of the workforce) and is expected to grow in importance as the demand for engineering skills and innovation rises, particularly in the context of net-zero ambitions.
Lord Willetts expressed his pleasure at the opening, stating, “It is a great pleasure to be here, my first public engagement since being made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering earlier this month. This prestigious new facility which shines a light on the engineering talent that we have here on the south coast and provides a platform from which the sector can build and flourish. Judging by the people and companies that I’ve met here today, there’s no doubt that Southampton Science Park’s growing reputation, exemplified by projects like these, is making a meaningful contribution to the sustainable growth and prosperity of our region. I am delighted to be declaring it officially open.”
Dr. Robin Chave, Chief Executive of Southampton Science Park, expressed gratitude to all project partners involved in bringing this important project to fruition. He also extended his thanks to Lord Willetts and guests who attended the event, emphasising how this new facility is fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the engineering field, which plays a significant role in regional development.
Professor Mark E. Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, highlighted the importance of the Engineering Centre, stating, “The Engineering Centre, housing the Future Towns Innovation Hub, is a very important investment from the University and our partners. This unique facility, which encourages smart collaboration between academia and business, will play an important role in boosting opportunities to commercialise new research, grow skills and retain talent in the Southampton area.”
Southampton Science Park, spanning 72 acres, serves as the South of England’s innovation hub, offering a wide range of commercial offices, laboratories, meeting, and conferencing facilities for startups and leading technology businesses.
For more information about Southampton Science Park, visit www.science-park.co.uk.
