The University of New Haven has unveiled plans for a new technology center that officials say will give students an edge in their careers.

Renovations will begin next year on a railroad salvage building on Campbell Avenue in West Haven that the school purchased.

It will be transformed into a center for innovation and applied technology.

The 130,000 square foot space will sit across from the school's main campus and focus on supporting the state's advanced manufacturing industry.

The center will also allow private industries to collaborate with the university.

"The state needs engineering and really technical talent to get to the next level. And so everything you're seeing here is really just the beginning of what we expect to be a really special, special place," said Mike Ambose, former vice president of Sikorsky Aircraft.