Preston has been selected as one of the UK’s premier drone technology test centres. This accolade stems from a successful bid, positioning the city as the sole representative of the North West in the Flying High Challenge programme.
The collaborative efforts of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Preston City Council were pivotal in securing this opportunity, which will span the next five months. During this period, these institutions will engage with national drone experts to host events and formulate a strategic vision for drone usage in various sectors.
Preston’s Selection and Competitive Edge
Preston has been chosen as one of only five drone technology test centres across the UK, following a successful bid. The city outperformed a third of the UK’s cities to secure its place and stands as the North West’s sole representative in the Flying High Challenge programme.
The Role of UCLan and Preston City Council
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Preston City Council collaborated to lead the effective application, managed by Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre in partnership with Innovate UK. These institutions will work with national drone experts over the next five months.
Upcoming Events and Strategy Development
Throughout this period, a series of events for local companies will be hosted. Additionally, a strategy will be devised to explore how drones can address a variety of future challenges.
National and Regional Recognition
The other cities and city regions chosen include Bradford, London, Southampton, and the West Midlands. Dr Darren Ansell, UCLan aerospace engineering lead, remarked, “The Flying High City challenge is an important opportunity for Preston to develop a vision for the integration of drone systems, building upon its history of aerospace innovation.”
This recognition is significant on a national scale and promotes Preston on a high level, opening doors in the upper echelons of the industry.
Derek Whyte, assistant chief executive of Preston City Council, commented on the pivotal role of aerospace in the area and the importance of Preston taking the lead in identifying drone opportunities. He emphasised Preston’s suitability as a manageable testing ground.
Civic Drone Applications
Preston has been advancing civic drone applications for several years. This is evident through the work of UCLan’s Civic Drone Centre, established in 2014 with a £250,000 investment.
The centre is integral to UCLan’s £32 million Engineering Innovation Centre, set to open in early 2019 in Preston’s city centre.
The not-for-profit nature of the Civic Drone Centre aligns with its mission to contribute to public sector innovation.
Future Prospects and Industry Impacts
Preston’s inclusion in the Flying High Challenge programme is anticipated to foster significant advancements in drone technology and its applications. The collaborative efforts with drone experts and local companies aim to unlock innovative solutions.
The work undertaken in Preston could serve as a model for other cities, demonstrating scalable solutions to complex urban challenges.
As the drone industry continues to evolve, Preston’s proactive stance places it at the forefront of this technological revolution.
The Importance of Local and National Collaboration
Collaboration between local institutions and national experts is key to the success of the Flying High Challenge programme. It leverages local knowledge and national expertise to achieve comprehensive outcomes.
This partnership approach ensures that the strategies developed are both practical and innovative, providing a robust framework for future drone integration.
Conclusion
Preston’s designation as a drone technology test centre highlights its strategic importance in the UK’s aerospace sector.
Preston’s inclusion in the Flying High Challenge underscores its pivotal role in advancing drone technology. This initiative not only recognises Preston’s historical achievements in aerospace innovation but also paves the way for future developments.
