The construction of the iAero Centre — a joint project between Somerset County Council and the region’s aerospace industry (primarily Leonardo Helicopters, Tods Aerospace and the West of England Aerospace Forum) — is under way in Yeovil.

This £8.7 million facility will give the region a high-value research, design and innovation centre to support the aerospace industry.

The facility is expected to be completed by early 2020, and more than £3 million of funding has come from the European Union’s Regional Development Fund.

A spokesman for Yeovil Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: “This significant — and very visible — project taking shape at the Western gateway to Yeovil represents a further £10 million investment stake in the economic growth of the town.

“Yeovil Chamber is working with the project stakeholders to create tenancy and work opportunities for our members — and the local aerospace and technology sector.”

Julie Wooler, economic development and strategic development officer at Somerset County Council, said the centre was essential to ensuring that Somerset remains a competitive location for the aerospace industry.

“Somerset hosts a quarter of the South West’s overall employment in aerospace supply chain businesses. Retaining and growing this sector is crucial to our future economic prospects.”