Preston Drone Plans

Flying High Challenge working with construction and regeneration in the city project.

13:37 27 July 2018

Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire’s Civic Drone Centre are working with Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre to explore the benefits that drone technology can offer in key industries.

 

Nesta, who is running the Flying High Challenge, has chosen the construction and regeneration in the city project to see if drone technology can deliver increased efficiency in construction site management, reduce risk of injury for workers, and speed up recovery from incidents.

 

Darren Ansell, lead for space and aerospace engineering at the EIC and Civic Drone Centre, said: “Our Flying High work has identified some real opportunities for drones to make a difference in Preston, both in the near and long-term. In key areas such as city regeneration and in the many construction projects in and around Preston, drones could be used at all stages to provide up to date information to help architects, planners, construction companies work more efficiently and reduce risks to workers to avoid working at height for example.”

 

Derek Whyte, assistant chief executive of Preston City Council, said: “This is a prime example of how the council is working with partners across the city for the benefit of its residents.  We are keen to spearhead innovation and technology such as drones to create more opportunities for skills development and employment opportunities now and in the future.

 

“The Flying High project has enabled us to consider how drones can save time and money for the council and partners, particularly across City Deal infrastructure projects, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with UCLan on further developing user cases for drones.”