A NEW £1million advanced manufacturing and engineering hub is set to open as part of a major shake-up for an East Lancashire training provider.

Work has been completed on the new Training 2000 centre in Harwood Street, Blackburn, ahead of an opening ceremony next Friday.

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An £800,000 investment has been provided by Lancashire Enterprise Partnership for the Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Centre, which will kickstart a crucial few years for the training giant, which is also behind a new cyber crime centre at Brierfield Mills.

It’s base at the Sutton Centre, in Netherfield Road, Nelson, which has a 100-seat lecture theatre alongside workshops and conference rooms, is also currently up for sale with a £1.2million price tag.

Bosses say the Blackburn development will cater for 250 people wanting to study for higher engineering apprenticeships, with the option then of continuing their vocation up to degree level.

Steve Gray, Training 2000;s chief executive, said: “The AMAC provides a unique environment right at the heart of Lancashire which builds on the county’s rich heritage within engineering and manufacturing.

“By upskilling both the current and next generation of engineers and manufacturers on cutting-edge equipment, we’re helping companies develop the employees they need to drive productivity and growth.”

AMAC is the latest in a string of advanced manufacturing bases to open in East Lancashire, with Blackburn College launching the Sir Bill Taylor Futures Centre and Burnley Council hoping to get a similar complex, Vision Park, off the ground in Princess Way, close to the Burnley College and UCLan campus.

And an aerospace suppliers park, with the focus on technological innovation, has emerged on the former Michelin site at Burnley.

Graham Cowley, the LEP’s growth deal management board chairman,said: “Improving the skills of Lancashire’s workforce in key sectors of the economy is an important part of our ambitious strategic programme to transform the county and drive economic growth over the next decade.”

Last night bosses at Training 2000 were unavailable for comment regarding the future of the Nelson site.