A new multi-million pound facility will soon be taking shape on the Penryn Campus ahead of the University of Exeter Business school expansion into Cornwall next year.

The £5.5 million Science and Engineering Research Support Facility will provide space for the university’s existing marine renewables team, and growing Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC).

The building will also feature a specially designed area for business engagement called The Collaboratory from where dedicated staff long-term research projects with selected local business partners.

The two-storey, 1,200 sq m building will be located next to the Daphne du Maurier building, Professor Mark Goodwin, deputy vice-chancellor, said: “Following the opening of our Environment and Sustainability Institute last year, this latest investment marks an important next step in our provision of academic skills and research excellence in the county.

“The Science and Engineering Research Support Facility will enable us to extend our work with local businesses, sharing the benefits of our expertise in in business, marine renewables, and ecology and conservation with communities and businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”