Northern Ireland-based Henry Brothers has secured a £30m ($36m) construction contract to develop the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The £100m Belfast Region City Deal project will see the construction of a 10,500m² Factory of The Future building at Global Point Business Park.

The Factory of The Future will receive approximately £80m in funding from the UK government. The centre will support manufacturing and engineering sectors in Northern Ireland and beyond.

The scope of the work covers the development of an engineering hall, laboratory spaces, an auditorium and a clean room.

Antrim mayor and Newtownabbey councillor Mark Cooper said: “The appointment of a contractor for AMIC is great news bringing the development a step closer.

"The council is delighted to support this project with a £10m investment, which will see this flagship facility, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, set for Global Point Newtownabbey.

On-site construction works are expected to begin early next year, with the AMIC aiming to operate from the Factory of The Future by 2026. The building will accommodate 150 staff.

Queen’s University Belfast has teamed up with Ulster University, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and the country's private industry to deliver this project.

By 2050, the AMIC is estimated to contribute more than £1bn to the local economy, generate more than 1,500 jobs and provide training support to 300 apprentices.

Queen’s University interim provost and deputy vice-chancellor Stuart Elborn said: “As part of our City Deal programme, AMIC will create jobs by supporting local companies to be more competitive on a global scale, attract new investment and ensure that we have the skilled workforce needed for the future.”