The construction of a new research facility for the University of Bath Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems at the Bristol and Bath Science Park has taken a step forward towards completion with the handover by construction partner Rydon of several sections to be fitted out with research cells. The bespoke cell configurations will handle complete vehicles, individual systems, or single components, utilising the latest measurement equipment.

With only the front of house facilities, offices and atrium to be completed and handed-over by Rydon in December, the nationally important GBP 70 million IAAPS research facility will be a global centre of excellence, delivering transformational research and innovation and supporting the automotive industries in meeting future air quality standards. It will lead the development of future generations of ultra-low emission vehicles and attract sector-related businesses to the region, generating jobs and economic growth.

With work towards finalising the build of the IAAPS infrastructure underway, Rydon has been collaborating with several IAAPS specialist partners to enable them to complete the research facilities. Equipment to be installed will include bed plates, complex test rigs and dampers. The facility also includes complex pipelines to carry fuel and gas supplies throughout the building as well as a fuel farm external to the facility for which Rydon built a concrete support structure and access ramp.