Gov. Patrick unveils plans for Holyoke computing center

Gov. Deval Patrick unveiled plans to build a high performance computing center in Holyoke at a ceremony Oct. 21 in the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development on the HCC campus.

Patrick told the more than 180 people in attendance that the new computing center would serve as an innovation hub for the region and would establish Massachusetts as a global leader in the development of computing technologies.

“This project can't wait and Holyoke can't wait. I'm proud to say we'll break ground within the next 12 months,” Patrick said. The facility is slated for occupancy by 2011.

HCC President William Messner welcomed the governor and the audience to HCC, saying the college was delighted to serve as hosts for the announcement. Joining the governor and Messner were Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan, University of Massachusetts President Jack Wilson, and other partners for the public-private collaboration.

Sullivan said the computing center would result in more jobs and business opportunities for the city and would lure students to schools like HCC for high technology training.

Messner said placement of the computing center in Holyoke would have a positive impact on advancing the mission of HCC.

“This project has a direct education component. They will need a skilled, trained, educated workforce and we're standing in a building that is dedicated to creating that skilled workforce,” said Messner.

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