The opening date for Grantham's £2m University Technology and Innovation Centre has been put back until spring next year.

The university centre was 'forecast' for completion at the end of last month (Sept) - although announcing the project in October 2018 InvestSK, South Kesteven District Council's (SKDC) growth and regeneration company, said it would be ready by summer 2019.

Lindum Construction Services was only awarded the £680,000 contract to fit out the centre by SKDC in mid-September.

A spokesman for the university centre project told Grantham Nub News: "InvestSK and SKDC are currently working with the contractors on a slightly revised timeline for the works, as is often the case with large development projects, with the centre anticipated to open in spring 2020."

In the meantime, the programme of courses being delivered by the University of Lincoln to meet the needs of local businesses are being held at Grantham's Jubilee Church Life Centre.

"It was always the plan to test the demand for, and build interest in, higher level courses in South Kesteven in tandem with the build of the university centre, which is why the courses are being delivered initially at the Jubilee Centre.

"Twelve people have enrolled on the first management and leadership course, which will start on 11 November, so it's fully subscribed which is really positive," added the spokesman.

Julian Free, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln, said: "We are delighted to be delivering courses in Grantham from November for people who want to access university programmes to enhance their professional development.

"The project is part of our commitment to create opportunities across the county for people to access university and to play our part in the economic future of South Kesteven."

Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership is funding the university centre, part of the new St Peter's Hill complex which also houses the Savoy Cinema.

The capital delivery is being managed by InvestSK in partnership with SKDC's property team.

InvestSK says professional business services will also be offered at the university 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 early stages of developing new business ideas.