A flagship £17 million development at the heart of Bradford city centre has reached a key construction milestone with the completion of its four-storey steel framework.
The new facility on Thornton Road, named Junction Mills in tribute to the historic building that once stood on the site, is set to open in September 2026 and will provide cutting-edge training in motor vehicle, advanced electrical, hybrid, and hydrogen technologies.
Led by Morgan Sindall Construction, the project is a significant step in Bradford College’s vision to support the region’s low-carbon skills agenda.
The structure incorporates 232 tonnes of hot-rolled steel, including two nine-tonne beams supporting the first-floor workshop. Lift shafts and stairwells were manufactured off-site using modern construction methods, reducing on-site disruption and enhancing sustainability.
With the steel frame now complete, work will move on to installing metal decking and pouring the concrete floor slabs.
Pamela Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College, said: “It’s exciting to see our latest capital project take shape. This purpose-built facility will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality, future- focused automotive training.
“With capacity for up to 650 students, it marks a major investment in preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow, especially in the transition to a low-carbon economy. It’s only fitting that a building dedicated to sustainable skills has sustainability at its core.”
The development has been made possible through £15 million from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, supported by a £2 million contribution from the college itself.
Once complete, the college’s automotive department will relocate from its current site at Bowling Back Lane to Junction Mills.
Ben Hall, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Yorkshire, added: “We’re thrilled to deliver what will be a game-changing new facility for Bradford. As well as building for the future, we’re committed to creating immediate impact through social value initiatives that benefit the people of Bradford long before the doors open.”
The project is part of a wider transformation at Bradford College, which has secured nearly £40 million in capital investment over the past three years to upgrade its learning environment.
Other recent developments include Garden Mills, a £5.8m digital, science, and allied health training facility funded by the Office for Students, and a £3.5m Department for Education investment in new T Level facilities for business, media, catering, and hair and beauty students.
