Grantham's new £2m University Technology and Innovation Centre is 'forecast' for completion at the end of September.

Although the University of Lincoln, which will deliver a programme of courses to meet the needs of local businesses from the centre, has yet to 'specify a specific' move-in date.

Announcing the project in October 2018 InvestSK, South Kesteven District Council's (SKDC) growth and regeneration company, said the centre would open this summer.

But a board meeting document for Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which is funding the centre, confirms 'the forecast completion date' is now not until 30 September this year.

Greater Lincolnshire LEP's funding comes via a grant from the Government's Growth Deal as the result of a joint bid from SKDC and InvestSK.

Steve Bowyer, Chief Executive of InvestSK said: "Summer 2019 was only ever intended as an indicative date, mentioned during the very early stages of this project to provide Grantham and the surrounding area with a new cinema, access to university education in the town and enhanced public spaces.

"We are working closely with all those involved to ensure that we bring this important and complex project forward, and achieve the right result in the end."

InvestSK said last year initial courses will include the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship as well as short courses and masterclasses tailored to meet business needs.

John Latham, Director of DVC Projects at the University of Lincoln said: "The university is working closely with InvestSK and South Kesteven District Council to develop a programme of courses that meets the needs of local businesses, and getting this programme right is our top priority.

"We are yet to specify a specific date when we will move into the premises and as such no students have been affected.

"This is an exciting opportunity for the university and our partners at InvestSK, which is why we are focused on making sure that we have an offer for businesses that matches their requirements.

"We will continue to work with colleagues to develop this."

InvestSK says professional business services will also be offered at the centre, including start-up advice, growing businesses and business networks, and events and talks will be hosted there.

There will also be the opportunity to use a desk in the centre in the early stages of developing new business ideas.