A world-beating automotive research centre led by the University of Bath has come a step closer following the announcement of extra growth funding for the West of England from the government.
The IAAPS – Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems – pictured, would be a purpose-built global centre of excellence to research and develop the car engines of the future, putting the region in the driving seat for creating a new breed of ultra low emission vehicles. 
It would also pioneer work into the continued electrification of vehicles, as well as unique layouts and configurations of the propulsion system for driverless cars.
A collaboration led by the university with a numerous universities and businesses, including Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, it would be built on the Bristol and Science Park, at Emersons Green.
It has been included in a list of schemes likely to be funded from a government cash boost of £52.8m for the region announced yesterday by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid. The funding will be aimed at schemes that help create jobs, support businesses and encourage growth.
Also on the list is an expansion of the science park with a Grow on centre (GO2), including new office and hybrid lab/workshop facilities.
Funding would pay for land acquisition, design and build of a two-storey 55,000 sq ft building with office, hybrid workshop/lab and collaboration spaces.
Mr Javid said: “We are putting local people in control and backing them with the powers and resources they need to reach their potential.
“We’re investing an extra £52.8m on top of the £230.7m we’ve already provided to local people – money which will create thousands of jobs, boost business and support growth right across the region.”
The funding will be distributed by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which brings together the sub-region’s four local authorities with large and small businesses to identify local economic priorities and lead economic growth and job creation.
LEP chair Stephen Robertson said: “Through the previous Growth Deals we have already delivered projects including the completed Weston College Future Technology Centre and the University of England Robotics Centre, alongside many other exciting projects coming soon. We continue to focus on transport, innovations and skills, reducing barriers to growth and maximising shared investment opportunities.
“Having outperformed the expectations for job growth and match funding agreed with government, this £53m Growth Deal 3 funding provides the opportunity to enhance our programme of priorities, enabling us to work with our partners to achieve greater success in terms of increased productivity, jobs and economic growth.”
Decisions on which projects will funded will be made by the LEP after further evaluation of scheme business cases.
Each project is assessed on the benefits it will bring to the area and the potential to stimulate innovation, create jobs, improve educational attainment, unlock homes or improve infrastructure.
The previous £230.7m Growth Deal funding is being matched by £180m of additional investment from local partners and the private sector to create at least 6,000 jobs.
Since opening in 2011, the Bristol & Bath Science Park has attracted more than 40 tenants, helping create 350 jobs.
