A University research centre which investigates coatings for space satellites and is at the cutting edge of robotic technology is moving to a new home as part of a £5.7m revamp.

The Materials and Engineering Research Institute at Hallam will move into purpose-built laboratories and office space in the University's Harmer Building from next Autumn.

MERI includes the world-leading HIPIMS Technology Centre which will receive a new state-of-the-art 2D coater machine, thought to be the first in the country, as part of the revamp. The machine, which can deposit silicon wafer coatings on a variety of applications including jets and space satellites, is one of only a handful operational in the world today.

The Maths subject group will move into MERI's former headquarters in the University's Norfolk Building.

Delivering a first class staff and student experience

Mark Swales, director of estates at Sheffield Hallam University, said: 'This project is key to delivering the first class student experience by providing a high-quality estate that supports the development of our academic activities, enhances the student and staff experience and projects our academic identity.

'This project shows the University's commitment to research excellence as well as undergraduate teaching.'

Professor Roger Eccleston, Pro Vice Chancellor of the College of Business, Technology and Engineering, said: 'This state-of-the-art building will allow MERI to build on its excellent reputation for high-quality research and knowledge transfer.'