Story: Construction Enquirer

Construction of the new £100m National Automotive Innovation Campus (NAIC) in Coventry will start next September.

The timetable has been firmed-up following the signing of Heads of Terms for construction this week by the University of Warwick, Warwick Manufacturing Group and Jaguar Land Rover.

The research centre will be housed in an iconic £100m building which will provide a national focus for research.

Over 900 staff from academic and industry teams from WMG, Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors European Technology Centre and other partners will work collaboratively on research projects.

The 30,000 square metre facility will include engineering, labs and powertrain facilities, virtual reality areas, design studios, demonstration and education facilities.

Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover, CEO, said “I am delighted that we have finalised the NAIC agreement and continuing our collaborative partnership with WMG and the University of Warwick.

“NAIC offers the opportunity for Jaguar Land Rover to develop its research and advanced engineering operations in one centre with academic and industry experts working together to develop and innovate, internationally competitive products of the future. “

The University of Warwick’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nigel Thrift said: “This is a considerable investment that benefit not just our University, nor just our city and region, but as its name says will be of national importance in providing world leading facilities to mesh with engineering ingenuity of our researchers and manufacturers.”

Kier is currently working with WMG on plans to build an academy for young engineers in Coventry.

The £10m academy in Canley is a place for budding young engineers in the Coventry, Warwick and Solihull area to explore engineering outside a traditional classroom setting.