Eric Wright picked for UTC

Cumbria's new 34,000 sq ft Energy Coast University Technical College at Lillyhall will be built by Eric Wright Construction.

The tender process was set by the Department of Education's contractor panel.

Building work on the £6.8m contract will begin in October 2013 on land next to Energus, the training and conference centre at Lillyhall.

Cath Richardson, interim chairman of Energy Coast UTC, said: "Eric Wright Construction's design is innovative but complementary to the UTC's neighbours Energus and Energy Coast Construction Centre. This appointment is an important step towards providing this new type of education to students in Allerdale and Copeland and meeting our opening date of September 2014."

John Wilson, managing director of Eric Wright Construction Ltd said: "We are delighted to win such a prestigious contract and build the first UTC in Cumbria. Working with the project sponsors and the Education Funding Authority, our design team of ADP Architects and Cundalls, we have provided an innovative, energy efficient learning environment for the young people of Cumbria."

The design team includes ADP Architects and Cundalls.

The Energy Coast UTC will offer technical and academic courses including GCSEs and A Levels for students interested in energy, engineering and construction. Due to open in September 2014, students can join at either 14 or 16 years and young people from across Allerdale and Copeland will soon be able apply for their place at the UTC.