Derelict Mill Transformed into STEM Training Facility 

• Content
• Building, Refurbishment & Fit-Out
• Derelict Mill Transformed into STEM Training Facility 

10 October 2024

A former mill on the Bradford College site has been refurbished into a digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students.

Garden Mills on Thornton Road is a 1900s five-storey building which, after £5.8 million in funding from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund and a £1.1 million College contribution, is now a dedicated building for HNC, HND, and degree programmes in STEM. 

It features six digital IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite, a prep room, a clinical suite, a real-life work environment with consulting and testing booths, a collaboration area, and academic teaching spaces. Contractors Tilbury Douglas led the Garden Mills project and installation of the equipment.

Bradford College is one of the biggest education and training providers in the region with around 20,000 students. 

Christopher Malish, Bradford College’s Vice Principal of Finance & Corporate Services, said: “Seeing Garden Mills return to life has been extremely rewarding. This new facility will enhance the student experience, create more graduate opportunities, and counter regional skills shortages in STEM-related sectors. These aspirations align with our vision of creating ‘a better future for all through education and training.’

“Our strategic objectives include delivering curricula that meet the needs of students, employers, and our community. We’re delighted that Garden Mills will help to upskill local people in specialisms that are in demand while supporting vital regional economic growth.”

Picture: a photograph of the new facility from the outside. Image Credit: Bradford College

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 10 October 2024

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