Bloodhound Education Centre launches in Manchester

The centre is named after and inspired by The Bloodhound Project, the international education initiative focused on a 1000mph land speed record attempt. According to Manchester Communication Academy (MCA) principal Lynne Heath, its mission is to drive innovation, invention and industry in the North West region 'and beyond'. "This is a great opportunity for us to give young people a chance to experience science and technology based subjects and for them to appreciate the wide range of opportunities and career choices presented by an understanding of science and engineering," said Heath. "The centre brings together some of the brightest and most innovative names in the worlds of science and engineering and has industry standard facilities to support creative and innovative design." The centre has been designed for use by MCA students, other learning groups and primary school students and has been built so that teachers can use the space in as flexible a way as possible. The ethos of learning is focused around designing, building and testing - just as it would be in a real science or engineering environment. Facilities include an interact zone, a CAD suite, a 4d immersive learning space, an ICT room and a science laboratory. The launch follows the announcement that Swiss watchmaker Rolex has signed on as official timing partner to the Bloodhound Project. Richard Noble (pictured left), project director, said the multi million pound company is to become a 'substantial sponsor'. "This is the first major brand partnership to compliment our existing technical partnerships and I'm pleased to say the technical, educational and commercial programmes are all on schedule for 2013," he said.