Last updated at 08:05, Friday, 19 June 2009

GOVERNMENT minister Ed Miliband is today due to open West Cumbria’s £20m flagship nuclear academy, which he has described as an extremely important addition to Britain’s energy facilities.

Energy secretary Mr Miliband is expected to open the Energus complex at Lillyhall at 3pm.

It marks completion of one of the most significant developments in the Workington area for many years.

Built as the delivery arm of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear, Energus will deliver skills-based training up to foundation degree level.

Mr Miliband said: “I am really looking forward to my trip. The link between my department and West Cumbria is incredibly important.

“West Cumbria and Sellafield have been extremely important to the UK’s energy needs and continue to be.

“I am particularly looking forward to visiting Energus because it has an important role to play in skills.”

The academy houses construction and engineering workshops designed to Formula 1 standards, IT networks that support meeting and conference opportunities, and a 200-seater lecture theatre.

It is an integral part of the University of Cumbria’s Energy Coast campus and was funded through the European Regional Development Fund, the Learning and Skills Council, North West Regional Development Agency, Northern Way, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Sites and West Lakes Renaissance, along with donations from other organisations.

Mr Miliband said he was working closely with Workington MP Tony Cunningham and Copeland MP Jamie Reed to see how the Government could further help the energy industry in West Cumbria.

Mr Cunningham said: “I am absolutely delighted that this day has finally arrived. Some of us have worked hard on this project and the result is a world class facility right here in West Cumbria.

“We need to inspire our young people and encourage them to aim high. What better way of doing that than by providing a training facility that matches the best anywhere?

“I’m pleased too that Ed Miliband’s presence here today reinforces the Government’s commitment to top quality training provision.”

Energus chairman Dr Ian Hudson said: “Everyone at Energus is looking forward to the official opening and is determined to build on the excellent progress so far to make the project and business a huge success.

“Construction of the building itself was on time and on budget.

“The services it will deliver and the top class facilities it encompasses give West Cumbria a tremendous asset that will be a key part of what we hope will be a prosperous future for the area.”

First published at 19:31, Thursday, 18 June 2009
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk