Groundbreaking ceremony held for £17m Bradford College "future technologies centre"
The state of the art facility is being built on the site of a former mill
A GROUNDBREAKING ceremony has marked the start of what will be one of the biggest developments in Bradford city centre in 2025.
Bradford College is building a £17 million “future technologies centre” on Thornton Road, on the former site of a mill building that was used by the college for many years.
That mill was demolished earlier this year after years of standing empty, and shortly before Christmas a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony marked the first step in the construction of the purpose built building.
Members of the Bradford College management team were joined by representatives from Morgan Sindall Construction and the Department for Education to celebrate construction commencing on site.
The project received £15 million from the Department for Education Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF) in October 2022, boosted by a £2 million College contribution.
The four-storey building will house modern automotive, digital, and engineering training at Bradford College.
The facility will offer students skills in new technologies, such as electric/hybrid vehicles and advanced manufacturing.
Work on the building is expected to be completed in 2026, when the College’s existing Automotive and Digital Engineering Department will relocate from Bowling Back Lane to the new premises.
As many as 650 students could enrol at the city centre building.
Commenting at the ceremony, Sarah Towan (Bradford College Vice Principal – Recruitment & Communications) said: “We are delighted to be breaking ground on this exciting new development for Bradford College.
“Engineering and motor vehicle skills development are high on the agenda for our local employers and regional economy. This cutting-edge facility will provide a highly skilled workforce for the careers of the future, so today marks an important moment for everyone involved in the project.”
Ben Hall, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction’s Yorkshire business, added: “We’re thrilled to deliver what will be a game-changing new facility for Bradford. As part of our delivery of this project, we look forward to undertaking social value initiatives that benefit the people of Bradford, ensuring this new facility has a positive impact on the city way ahead of opening.”
The groundbreaking ceremony comes shortly after Bradford College opened Garden Mills – a digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students, made possible by £5.8m funding from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund.
The College has also remodelled new T Level training facilities for business, media, catering, and hair and beauty students at its David Hockney Building.