The keys of a £30 million Aerospace Research Centre in Coventry have been handed over to the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).

International property and construction consultancy, Gleeds and main contractor, Wates Construction, were selected for the development project.

The centre, designed by the Fairhursts Design Group on the MTC's Ansty Park site, is set to provide a national facility for ground breaking aerospace research in the heart of the UK. MTC engineers will work with experts from the world's major aerospace companies on projects which will define aerospace technology for the future.


Project manager Gleeds helped the MTC procure the building through a detailed design and build programme. Key to the project’s success was creating a collaborative culture from the initial design phase. Detailed project planning enabled the project to be successfully delivered by the project team over 17 months, whilst working to strict funding requirements. Wates' role in the Ansty Park development also includes its construction of the Advantanced Manufacturing Training Centre.

MTC chief executive Dr Clive Hickman said: "The existing Manufacturing Technology Centre, the Advanced Manufacturing Training Academy and the Aerospace Research Centre, along with other exciting facilities, will provide a world-class environment to develop and demonstrate new technologies and manufacturing processes on an industrial scale in partnership with industry, academia and Government."

(CD)