The works will comprise new build and extension works in connection with all or a combination of the following facilities:

Food Technology Centre – to provide food businesses with access to technical equipment, support services and training courses to support their growth and development;

Precision Agriculture Centre – to provide a regional centre of expertise for the development of new technologies, skills and knowledge which are needed to make farming practices more sustainable and minimise the impact on the environment;

Animal Behaviour Centre – to be equipped to study different animal responses to a range of stimuli;

Equine Science Centre – to include facilities for the schooling of horses and the development of riding skills. The Centre will also provide facilities to study veterinary aspects of equine science and therapies;

Sports Science and Fitness Centre – to link health and fitness aspects into new programmes in Feed Science, Agriculture and Human Nutrition that are being developed with international partners.

The works will comprise a combination of extensions to existing buildings and stand alone buildings (providing a variety of teaching and learning environments) together with associated external works. The project will be procured on a competitive design and build basis. The project will be awarded under an amended JCT 2011 Design and Build Contract. Overall project duration (from issue of OJEU notice to completion of construction works) is approximately 21 months.

The intention is to open the new facilities in the second quarter of 2016.