Bradford College has officially opened its new multi-million-pound facility following nearly two years of construction. Located on Thornton Road, the Junction Mills building provides specialised training spaces in modern automotive and digital engineering, with a focus on supporting West Yorkshire’s growing electric and hybrid vehicle sectors.
The four-storey development was backed by £17.8 million from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, alongside a £1.5 million investment from the College. Built on the site of a former textile mill, the construction marks one of the largest developments in Bradford city centre since One City Park.
Car journalist and presenter Abigayle André opened the facility alongside Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South and Deputy Speaker. The opening ceremony featured speeches from Morgan Sindall Construction and Ray Chapman Motors, followed by guided tours of the site.
Designed to accommodate up to 650 students, Junction Mills features IT labs, collaboration spaces, and three large workshops equipped for traditional, hybrid, and electric vehicles, as well as a hydrogen fuel cell car.
“It’s fantastic to see Junction Mills ready to welcome students after all the hard work of everyone involved,” said Pamela Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College. “This latest multi-million-pound investment in our estate shows our commitment to giving students world-class learning environments and the in-demand skills needed for their chosen professions.”
The project also achieved carbon reduction milestones during build-out, saving 473 tonnes of carbon through sustainable construction practices, including the use of electric arc furnace steel for its structural frame.
