Work has started on a new technology and manufacturing powerhouse to train future sector leaders and improve productivity in the industry.

Anchored by Huntingdonshire Regional College, iMET secured capital funding of £10.5million was secured by the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership and was given planning permission earlier this month.

Richard Baggaley, iMET’s project manager, said “This planning permission is the culmination of months of work to see the iMET concept made reality. iMET will be a dynamic and flexible environment delivering a range of courses to meet the evolving needs of the local economy where traditional training provision is not able to cope.”

iMET will deliver technical, advanced and higher vocational skills training in manufacturing, engineering and technology by providing specialist equipment within a facility that boasts excellent transport links.

The centre is planned to open its doors to students in September 2017.