College celebrates construction milestone

A West Yorkshire college has marked a construction milestone in its multi-million-pound campus expansion. 

Bradford College celebrated the topping-out of its £19.3 million Junction Mills development, a four-storey facility dedicated to automotive, digital and engineering training, marking the next stage of construction as it moves toward its planned opening to students in 2026.

The project is being delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction, with £17.8 million in funding from the Department for Education and a £1.5 million contribution from the college.

Attendees, including governors, project delivery staff and a group of current Level 2 Motor Vehicle students who will move to the new building on completion, toured the site, learning about construction methods and the building’s intended uses before signing the steel frame at the top of the structure.

Stephen Smith, head of engineering and motor vehicle at Bradford College, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see our new hi-tech home for motor vehicle reaching this exciting topping-off milestone. 

“This is a huge step forward for both staff and students, and I can’t wait to see the opportunities it creates.

“This new facility will give our staff access to the very best resources, enabling them to deliver even more innovative and industry-relevant teaching. 

“For our students, it means learning in an environment that mirrors modern workshops and garages, giving them the hands-on experience and confidence they need to thrive in their future careers.”

Barbara Mangan, a Bradford College independent governor, added: “Even though Junction Mills is still a skeleton structure, the rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the tour team, who really brought it to life. 

“I can’t wait to have another tour once it is kitted out and ready to welcome the first students.” 

The new facility will accommodate up to 650 students, offering courses in advanced manufacturing, electric and hybrid vehicles and modern automotive and digital engineering. 

Junction Mills has already achieved a Morgan Sindall platinum standard for carbon savings, having saved a total of 182 tonnes of carbon – the equivalent to heating 67 UK homes annually.

Dan Marsh, Morgan Sindall’s project manager on the scheme, added: “It was fantastic to provide an update to project stakeholders at such a significant point in the project. 

“Bradford College and Morgan Sindall have formed an excellent relationship through working tirelessly in collaboration to get this far, and we intend to cement this by bringing the project to a close on time, on budget, and with excellent quality.”

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