College unveils new £19 million skills hub

A higher education provider is investing in future talent with a new facility focused on advanced engineering and sustainable skills.

Bradford College has unveiled its £19.3 million Junction Mills building on Thornton Road, with construction nearing completion ahead of its planned September opening.

The four-storey development will provide training in areas including modern automotive, digital engineering, electric and hybrid vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. 

Up to 650 students are expected to study at the site, gaining access to industry-standard equipment designed to support career-ready skills.

Funded largely through £17.8 million from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, alongside a £1.5 million college contribution, the project forms a key part of Bradford College’s wider estates strategy.

Junction Mills sits at the centre of a broader £32 million investment programme aimed at supporting regional economic growth and equipping students with skills for evolving industries.

Pamela Sheldon, head of projects at Bradford College, said: “It’s fantastic to see our new building revealed as we move one step closer to opening this amazing new facility. 

“Junction Mills represents a significant leap in how we equip young people with the skills needed for a low-carbon economy, and it is fitting that a building dedicated to low-carbon skills should be constructed with sustainability at its core.”

Built by Morgan Sindall Construction, the scheme has also delivered significant environmental benefits, achieving platinum certification for carbon savings. 

The use of sustainable materials and construction methods has reduced emissions by 473 tonnes.

Ben Hall, Morgan Sindall’s area director for Yorkshire, added: “Working closely with Bradford College, we’ve been able to deliver our Intelligent Solutions to create genuine carbon savings across the lifespan of Junction Mills, while also creating a space that serves its students and staff well. 

“This is a significant project for the college and for West Yorkshire more broadly. It’s where the next generation of skilled workers will train, and that matters. 

“We’re proud to have built somewhere that gives students the environment they need to learn properly and go on to make a real contribution locally.”

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