A new “world-class” hub for innovation aerospace technology is expected to create 300 engineering jobs in Bristol when it opens in 2020.

The vast £32m research and development centre in Filton will boost the region’s capability in advanced manufacturing, while providing a platform for future growth, according to industry insiders.

Funded by £17m from GKN Aerospace and £15m from the Government, the facility will form part of the latest development plans in a fast-changing area of Bristol – with the newly-opened Village Hotel nearby, proposals for new homes and the possibility of the long-awaited Bristol Arena being built in the Brabazon Hangar.

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The University of Bristol is one of several partners that stands to benefit from having the technology centre on its doorstep.

Welcoming the plans, vice chancellor of research at the university, Nishan Canagarajah, said: “Bristol has worked closely with GKN Aerospace for many years and the announcement of a strategic partnership that is aligned to the global technology centre is a logical next step for both organisations.

“This initiative will reinforce and extend the region’s capability in advanced manufacturing and provide an important platform for future growth, both of which are key to realising the UK’s industrial strategy.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with GKN on an initiative of this scale and we will be working closely with our other partners in the region to maximise the value of this opportunity for the city and region.”

GKN Aerospace is already a major employer in Bristol and the new centre will focus on the manufacture and assembly of aircraft structures, as well as acting as a base for the company’s partnership in Airbus’ ‘Wing of the Future’ technology programme. There will also be new additional manufacturing programmes.

Professor Ben Hicks, director of strategic alliances and head of engineering systems and design at Bristol, said: “The Global Technology Centre and the strategic partnership represent an exciting opportunity for all of the university faculties – from engineering and science to arts, social sciences and law.

“In addressing the digital manufacturing challenges of the future, transdisciplinary teams are necessary to meet the socio-technical challenges and embed new technologies.

“The Bristol teams involved in the partnership will include traditional materials, design, manufacturing and robotics researchers complemented by data scientists, mathematicians, operations researchers and experts in policy, technology adoption and future work places.

“We look forward to working together to benefit the region and continuing to reinforce it as a global centre of excellence in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.”

Chief executive of GKN Aerospace, Hans Büthker, added: “The centre is a great example of the UK’s industrial strategy at its best: with industry and the Government coming together to invest in the technology of the future.”

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