Bradford College is poised for a monumental makeover with the commencement of several major capital investment initiatives.
In a remarkable feat, Bradford College has secured nearly £29 million in funding over the past two years. This substantial investment is earmarked to revamp existing infrastructure and erect new state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Bradford, setting the stage for a transformative educational landscape.
Three significant construction projects are set to unfold, each designed to elevate the learning experience and bolster regional economic growth:
T Level Facilities
A £3.5 million investment from the Department for Education (T Level Capital Fund – Wave 5) will breathe life into new vocational T Level facilities within the iconic David Hockney Building. These cutting-edge spaces will feature a commercial barbering salon, nail bar, collaborative lecture spaces, TV studio, enhanced media editing and recording studios, outdoor dining facilities, and a remodel of The Grove training restaurant. T Level qualifications, focusing on practical skills coveted by employers, will be offered, providing students with an alternative pathway to A Levels.
Garden Mills Refurbishment
With a £5.8 million funding injection from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund (backed by a £1.1 million College contribution), the Garden Mills refurbishment project is poised to revitalize the historic building on Thornton Road. Contractor Tilbury Douglas is spearheading the restoration efforts, transforming the five-storey structure into a modern hub for health science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The revamped facility will accommodate higher-level HNC/HND and degree programs, boasting flexible laboratories, digital IT labs, clinical suites, and collaborative teaching spaces.
Future Technologies Centre (FTC)
The cornerstone of Bradford College’s visionary roadmap, the Future Technologies Centre (FTC), represents a £17 million investment in pioneering automotive and digital engineering education. With funding secured from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF), bolstered by a £2 million College contribution, the FTC will emerge as a hub for cutting-edge technologies such as electric/hybrid vehicles, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and digital design. Scheduled for completion during the 2025/2026 academic year, the Centre will serve as a catalyst for technology and low-carbon skills development in West Yorkshire.
Christopher Malish, Bradford College Vice Principal Finance & Corporate Services, expressed his enthusiasm for the transformative projects, underscoring their significance in shaping not only the College’s future but also the broader urban landscape of Bradford.
The journey towards these ambitious milestones has been fortified by partnerships, including collaboration with Sheffield-based architects Bond Bryan, who established an academy at the College’s Trinity Green Campus to nurture talent and oversee estate projects on site.
As the nation celebrates Colleges Week 2024, the spotlight shines on the profound impact of further education institutions, with Bradford College leading the charge in influencing, engaging, and celebrating successes within the sector.
Bradford College’s bold initiatives signify a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community empowerment, paving the way for a brighter future through education and training. With construction underway, the College’s vision for a transformative educational ecosystem is well on its way to fruition.
