James Hammond knew he wanted to pursue a career in construction after developing an interest in architecture at 12-years-old. Now, 21 years later, after working his way up within the housebuilding industry, James has been appointed as regional technical manager for Vistry Thames Valley, which has its headquarters in Reading
Kilwaughter Minerals Limited is to become part of the multi-national Saint-Gobain group after they reached a binding agreement for Saint-Gobain to acquire the Northern Irish quarrying and mineral processor. As per normal process, the acquisition has been forwarded to the Competition and Markets Authority with closing of the transaction expected
Talented construction professionals across Northern Ireland are being urged to step forward and be recognised at a glittering awards ceremony. The prestigious event will be held at Croke Park in Dublin on 18 September 2025 and will be hosted by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). CIOB hosted a launch
MILWAUKEE® continues to disrupt the cordless impact wrench market with the introduction of the next generation of M12 FUEL™* Compact Impact Wrenches. With the compact size, the new Impacts deliver the most access in tight spaces while doubling the performance from the previous gen. The compact size and reduced weight
GMI Construction Group and Luminate Education Group hosted a visit by Leeds MP Alex Sobel to update him on the progress being made on the city’s Mabgate Campus development. Leeds Central and Headingley MP Alex Sobel, accompanied by Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families,
Developer, Cityheart and Wigan Council have signed agreements allowing Principal Contractor Galliford Try to deliver the first phases of construction work at the former Galleries site in Wigan Town Centre. Galliford Try will start work in mid-October 2024, following directly on from the large-scale demolition and site investigation works already
Bensons for Beds has launched 15 new stores within three weeks, occupying former Carpetright locations across the UK. This expansion follows the furniture retailer’s acquisition of 19 ex-Carpetright sites in August, after the flooring company entered administration. The move forms part of Bensons for Beds’ long-term growth strategy, which aims
Vistry, Britain’s biggest housebuilder, has joined forces with Bromford to build up to 695 sustainable homes in Longbridge, south-west Birmingham, formerly home to the MG works. Vistry has joined forces with Bromford, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, which will own and manage the affordable homes. Bromford is acquiring
Clowes Developments and its partners are pleased to announce that practical completion has now been achieved on Phase Two of Beauchamp Business Park, a new commercial development in Kibworth, Leicestershire. The development has been delivered by Clowes Developments and its team including IMA Architects, TanRo, Millward Consulting Engineers, Gateley Legal
A multimillion-pound renovation project at Bradford College has transformed a derelict mill into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students. Garden Mills on Thornton Road opened its doors to staff and students this week after months of construction work on the 1900s five-storey building. The development results from £5.8 million in
James Hammond knew he wanted to pursue a career in construction after developing an interest in architecture at 12-years-old. Now, 21 years later, after working his way up within the housebuilding industry, James has been appointed as regional technical manager for Vistry Thames Valley, which has its headquarters in Reading and is part of Vistry Group, Britain’s biggest housebuilder. ‘The 33-year-old, who lives in Puttenham, near Guildford, said: “I’ve always been inspired by Architecture and buildings and with Salisbury Cathedral adjacent to my school, there was inspiration to be taken from at an early age. This fed through to the subjects I learned in school and ultimately, I knew that I wanted to work in the building industry.’ Following on from his early inspiration, James completed school, gained a degree in construction management from university and then joined the building industry as a graduate trainee in the technical department at a housebuilding company. He worked his way up to senior technical co-ordinator before joining Bovis Homes – now part of Vistry Group – in that role in 2018, then gaining promotion to technical manager and senior technical manager in quick succession. As regional technical manager, the father-of-two now manages a team of seven in the technical department at Vistry Thames Valley, which is building new homes across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and Buckinghamshire across its Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes brands. He said: “My role is to look after the operational side of the technical team. Basically, we aim to keep things going on site by co-ordinating all the information from our architects, civil and structural engineers, landscape architects and other third parties. This ensures a smooth handover of information to other departments which, in turn, enables them to carry out their roles in working towards completing great homes for our customers.” James is also directly overseeing the technical operations at two sites – Buckler’s Park in Crowthorne, in Berkshire, and at Beckley Place in Barton Park, Oxford. He said: “I have to ensure that all the relevant drawings and technical information is provided so that the commercial department can price accurately and the build team can get on and build the properties to meet Vistry’s exacting standards. What I like about this part of the job is that it gives me the opportunity to be in the office and also get out on site to see the projects come to life.” “My personal professional ambition is to become a technical director and head up the whole team. The reason I love this job so much is that it is not only challenging but also that two days are never the same. That variety keeps things fresh and exciting. I feel lucky that I love my job and that Vistry has a positive promotion pathway.” Trevor Wicks, managing director of Vistry Thames Valley, said: “In the six years that James has been with us, his enthusiasm and positive can-do attitude has rightly seen him go from promotion to promotion within the technical department and now sees him occupy a senior role in that team. “James is a great leader within a great team. His proven ability to problem solve and create an environment where operations run incredibly smoothly means that he has very bright future with us here at Vistry.” For more information about careers with Vistry Group, visit vistrygroup.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kilwaughter Minerals Limited is to become part of the multi-national Saint-Gobain group after they reached a binding agreement for Saint-Gobain to acquire the Northern Irish quarrying and mineral processor. As per normal process, the acquisition has been forwarded to the Competition and Markets Authority with closing of the transaction expected in the first half 2025. Saint-Gobain is a global leader in the design and manufacture of solutions for the construction industry and employs 160,000 people across 76 countries globally. It has a wide-ranging portfolio of lightweight construction solutions for building facades and envelopes, with its emphasis on making buildings better for occupants and the planet. Kilwaughter has its headquarters at its limestone quarry in Larne, Northern Ireland from where it serves its construction and agriculture customers throughout the UK and Ireland, with distribution centres in Glasgow, Cork and St Helens. Known for leading brands K Rend, K Systems and Kilwaughter Lime, the company has delivered continued success in recent years, with a clear strategy centred around outstanding customer service and innovative products. To year end (April 2024), Kilwaughter generated revenues of circa £50m and has over 200 employees. Gary Wilmot, CEO of Kilwaughter Minerals said: “We’re excited with the opportunity to join the Saint-Gobain group and continue Kilwaughter’s ambitious growth journey. “Kilwaughter has a rich company culture and heritage, and our focus remains on delivering a leading customer experience, underpinned by our trusted brands. We look forward to the added synergy that Saint-Gobain will undoubtedly bring and sharing our passion for innovation, quality and excellence. “We see the alignment of the vision and values between both companies as a strong building block for our teams and customers.” As stated above, the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Talented construction professionals across Northern Ireland are being urged to step forward and be recognised at a glittering awards ceremony. The prestigious event will be held at Croke Park in Dublin on 18 September 2025 and will be hosted by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). CIOB hosted a launch event for the awards on 11 October at Tughans, The Ewart, Bedford Square, Belfast, giving aspiring winners the chance to network with fellow construction professionals before going head-to-head for one of the coveted titles. A similar event was held at Engineers Ireland, Clyde Road, Dublin at the same time. Caroline Gumble, CEO at CIOB, said: “I am always delighted when this important industry has an opportunity to showcase the talent, hard work and achievements of the people creating and maintaining our built environment. “The CIOB Ireland Awards is a great platform for the incredible things industry professionals are doing and I’m very much looking forward to hearing all those stories. “Nothing in construction happens in isolation so I encourage everyone working in the built environment sector to nominate the colleagues who most deserve recognition.” Councillor Micky Murray, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, oversaw the launch ceremony as categories covering Client of the Year, Team of the Year, Rising Star and Sustainability Award were officially opened for nominations. Cllr Murray said: “The CIOB Awards Ireland are a fantastic opportunity to highlight the remarkable talent and innovation driving Northern Ireland’s construction sector. “It’s an honour to attend this celebration of excellence, and I encourage everyone to put forward their nominations and highlight the outstanding achievements within our built environment. “Recognising the talented individuals who help shape Northern Ireland’s infrastructure is crucial, as they play a vital role in creating spaces and places that enhance our communities and support our future growth.” Nominations are now open and aspiring winners can enter their submissions online, with categories covering Client of the Year, Team of the Year, and Rising Star. Awards are open to both members of CIOB and non-members and CIOB is urging as many construction professionals as possible to put their names forward. More information on the awards can be found on the dedicated webpage: www.ciob.me/irelandawards Anyone interested in sponsoring the event can contact Sarah Hallinan, Regional Manager Ireland, at shallinan@ciob.org. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® continues to disrupt the cordless impact wrench market with the introduction of the next generation of M12 FUEL™* Compact Impact Wrenches. With the compact size, the new Impacts deliver the most access in tight spaces while doubling the performance from the previous gen. The compact size and reduced weight make overhead applications less strenuous and reduce fatigue from repetitive use throughout the day. Available in 3/8” and ½” with Friction Ring, the new M12 FUEL™ Compact Impact Wrenches are the most compact and their weight without battery is only 1kg, which is lighter than the competition. With the increased power, the new impact wrenches can remove the most corroded and stubborn fasteners. Featuring an updated 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL, enabling single handed mode changes by shifting into neutral and double tapping the trigger. The AUTO SHUT-OFF Mode also applies no more than 20 Nm of torque for hand-tight applications, that prevents overtightening when in forward mode delivering users greater control. While in reverse, bolt removal mode slows down the RPM once the bolt is free, preventing bolts from flying around the work area. The new M12 FUEL™ Compact Impact Wrenches join the M12™ Cordless System, the largest sub-compact system on the market, focused on delivering industry-leading durability and the power to complete applications in the tightest spaces. Currently, the M12™ System is made up of more than 115 solutions. *M12 FUEL™ power tools are designed, engineered, and built to deliver extreme performance and productivity. All M12 FUEL™ products feature three MILWAUKEE®-exclusive innovations—the POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run time and durability on the job site. Simply put, M12 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful sub-compact cordless tools in their class. Specifications M12 FUEL™ ½” Compact Impact Wrench with Friction Ring M12 FCIWF12G3-502X Kit Includes: (1) M12 FUEL™ ½” Compact Impact Wrench with Friction Ring, (2) M12 HB5 Battery Packs, (1) C12 C Charger, (1) HD Box M12 FUEL™ 3/8” Compact Impact Wrench with Friction Ring M12 FCIWF38G3-502X Kit Includes: (1) M12 FUEL™ 3/8” Compact Impact Wrench with Friction Ring, (2) M12 HB5 Battery Packs, (1) C12 C Charger, (1) HD Box Perfect Match: M12 FCIWF12G3 ½″ SHOCKWAVE™ IMPACT DUTY automotive impact socket set – Automotive 3pcs socket set (4932451568) M12 FCIWF38G3 SHOCKWAVE™ IMPACT DUTY impact sockets – 3/8″ Packout impact socket set – 19 pc (4932480946)To find out more about M12 FUEL™ Compact Impact Wrenches, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group and Luminate Education Group hosted a visit by Leeds MP Alex Sobel to update him on the progress being made on the city’s Mabgate Campus development. Leeds Central and Headingley MP Alex Sobel, accompanied by Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, toured the construction site, which, upon its completion in summer 2025, will mark a significant expansion of Leeds City College. Milestones completed include the installation of the structural steelwork and the completion of a section of concrete forming a wall of the library. The development will provide around 70,000 sq. ft of additional educational space, while contributing to the area’s regeneration and providing much-needed community resources. Mabgate Campus already holds Leeds City College’s School of Events, Enterprise and Employability, together with studio space for Leeds Conservatoire – both members of Luminate Education Group. Leeds-headquartered GMI’s £26m contract involves partial demolition of existing buildings fronting onto Mabgate, allowing for the construction of the flagship five-storey campus for University Centre Leeds and a new building for Leeds City College’s English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) centre. As part of the construction of the ESOL building, GMI will also build a new atrium cafeteria, located between the new building and existing converted warehouse space, which is the hub of the Mabgate Centre, providing eco-friendly open-plan learning spaces and specially designed classrooms. Alex Sobel MP said: “It was wonderful to see the buildings taking shape, we really appreciated being able to sign the library wall and look forward to another visit when the buildings are complete, and students are benefitting from purpose-built provision. We know that there is need for more post 16 provision in the city and welcome this development whilst working for further space for post 16 education in Leeds.” Helen Hayden, who represents the Temple Newsham ward on Leeds City Council, added: “I was delighted to visit the Mabgate Campus development which represents a significant investment in education and regeneration of this part of Leeds. This project will deliver long-term benefits for the city by creating new opportunities for learning and community engagement, which are key to enhancing our skills base.” Andy Hurcomb, Regional Director at GMI Construction Group, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Alex Sobel MP and Cllr Helen Hayden to the site to show them the significant progress being made. Their visit highlighted the importance of this project to the local community, and we’re honored to partner with Luminate Education Group to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that reflects both the ambition of our educational partners and the aspirations of the wider Leeds community.” David Warren, Group Vice Principal of Development at Luminate Education Group, added: “This project will create a flagship campus that will provide a dynamic learning environment that meets the needs of today’s students and the future workforce. We are thrilled to see this project progress. It project represents a significant investment in education in Leeds, and we are confident it will play an important role in shaping the future of education in this region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer, Cityheart and Wigan Council have signed agreements allowing Principal Contractor Galliford Try to deliver the first phases of construction work at the former Galleries site in Wigan Town Centre. Galliford Try will start work in mid-October 2024, following directly on from the large-scale demolition and site investigation works already completed by BCEGI and PP O’Connor. The agreement means construction can start immediately for the new 90,000sqft market hall, located in the heart of the town centre. Alongside commencing delivery of the new market hall, Galliford Try will also undertake ground and enabling works across the wider site to progress the next phases of the new mixed-use neighbourhood. Earlier this year Hampton by Hilton were announced as one of the first occupiers at the development, signing up for a 144-bed hotel. A series of Meet the Buyer events have also been held for local businesses to find out how they can get involved with the project and to ensure that Wigan borough businesses benefit from the contracts and investments that are being made. Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said “The new market hall is at the heart of the project and set to be the first new building to open. Wigan is a traditional market town, receiving its Royal Charter in the 13th century. This development will bring our market into the 21st century, creating a vibrant, modern and thriving space for our traders and visitors to the town, ensuring it has a strong and exciting future with a lot of job opportunities for people both during and after construction.” Darren Jones, Development Director for Cityheart added: “We are delighted to be working with Galliford Try to bring forward the next stage of redevelopment at this transformational Wigan Galleries site. We are progressing the delivery of the site in various phases in accordance with the planning consents we have secured. Throughout the phased development and once the scheme is complete the focus will be on community wealth building with job opportunities for local businesses and residents. We’re proud to be part of delivering a destination which will enhance the offer in Wigan town centre and bolster the economy in the borough for many years to come.” The complete scheme is set to create circa 660 full-time jobs generating Gross Value Add (GVA) impacts of £26.5m per year. During the first phase of demolition, jobs apprenticeships and training placements were provided for local people through projects with Wigan Youth Zone and Wigan and Leigh College. Darren Parker, Managing Director for Galliford Try Building North West, commented: “We are pleased to be getting under way with this initial construction phase of the Wigan Galleries project and look forward to working with all the stakeholders involved to deliver social value back into the local community and support Wigan’s investment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bensons for Beds has launched 15 new stores within three weeks, occupying former Carpetright locations across the UK. This expansion follows the furniture retailer’s acquisition of 19 ex-Carpetright sites in August, after the flooring company entered administration. The move forms part of Bensons for Beds’ long-term growth strategy, which aims to establish up to 40 new stores over the coming years. In addition to these openings, Bensons has launched its first high street store in Sutton and made a return to Northern Ireland after a four-year absence with a new outlet in Belfast. The new store locations include: Nick Collard, Chief Executive of Bensons for Beds, commented: “The scale of store openings we’ve achieved in such a short period is unprecedented for us as a business, and it’s a significant accomplishment for any retailer, especially given the current economic climate. “While market conditions remain tough, Bensons is positioned to take advantage of a market recovery. This success is a direct result of our ongoing transformation into the leading bed specialist, providing expert advice and great value to help our customers enjoy a good night’s sleep.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry, Britain’s biggest housebuilder, has joined forces with Bromford to build up to 695 sustainable homes in Longbridge, south-west Birmingham, formerly home to the MG works. Vistry has joined forces with Bromford, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, which will own and manage the affordable homes. Bromford is acquiring 250 of the proposed homes, ensuring that more than 35% of the homes on this development will be affordable, against a 20% requirement. The housing association will make 132 homes, 19% of the total number being proposed, available for social rent, against a 4% requirement as part of the planning consent. An additional 118 homes will be available to part-buy, part-rent through Bromford’s shared ownership scheme. A further 209 units will be destined for the private rental sector and the remaining 236 properties will be available on the open market for private ownership, ensuring the development will offer something for everyone. The scheme will also stimulate economic growth through on-site employment, as well as providing further benefits for the local community with designated spaces for community uses and public open space. The new homes will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, and larger two-, three- and four-bedroom family houses. With a focus on sustainability, they will include air source heat pumps rather than gas boilers; PV panels will provide renewable electricity; and wastewater recovery will minimise water usage. The houses will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC), reducing the carbon footprint of every property. The homes will be manufactured off site using open panel timber frames from the Vistry Works East Midlands factory in Leicestershire. Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house. Phil McHugh, Managing Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to have acquired this site and to be working with Bromford on this exciting project that will contribute to Birmingham’s economic growth by providing new jobs and high-quality places to live. “Like many major cities, Birmingham has a severe shortage of affordable homes; that’s something we’re aiming to address by going the extra mile to deliver affordable and social rent homes over and above what is required of us, and delivering them at pace. We’re also hugely proud of the sustainability of the homes we’ll be providing, with features and construction methods that reduce their impact on the environment and will lower energy bills for future residents. “We’re excited to be a part of Birmingham’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the character of the area and create a thriving and sustainable community.” Alice Phillips, Regional Development Manager at Bromford, said: “Working with Vistry to bring new affordable homes to Birmingham as part of the Longbridge redevelopment is a perfect opportunity for us. With the work that’s already taken place at Longbridge and everything that’s planned over the years ahead, our future customers will have great prospects to live, work and thrive in these new homes and community. “Providing 132 homes for social rent as part of this partnership will make a real difference to the lives of families who are currently waiting for affordable housing in Birmingham. And they’ll be living in some of the most energy efficient homes we’ve ever built in the West Midlands thanks to all of the sustainability measures that will be installed.” Simon Vick, Head of Development at Bromford, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership again with Vistry to deliver this project. It’s one of our largest ever partnerships in the West Midlands and will help meet the acute shortage of high quality, affordable homes in Birmingham.” Professional services group Gateley supported on the purchase from St. Modwen, as well as the development agreement and sale to Bromford. Lauren Jeffrey, Residential Development Senior Associate at Gateley Legal, added: “The Longbridge site was previously brownfield land and holds significant historical importance as the former home to the MG Rover factory, as well as links to war activity. So, it’s brilliant to see the iconic location being given a new lease of life and developed into a community with much-needed housing, shops and offices. “The success of this scheme is the result of the great working partnership between all parties, as well as the collaborative effort from Gateley’s residential development, planning, tax, litigation and built environment consultancy teams, and I look forward to seeing the development continue to take shape.” A reserved matters planning application has been submitted with a decision notice due shortly. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments and its partners are pleased to announce that practical completion has now been achieved on Phase Two of Beauchamp Business Park, a new commercial development in Kibworth, Leicestershire. The development has been delivered by Clowes Developments and its team including IMA Architects, TanRo, Millward Consulting Engineers, Gateley Legal and Postins Project Services. Phillips Sutton and TDB Real Estate have been the agents marketing the scheme. Beauchamp Business Park is situated on a 15-acre site located on the outskirts of Kibworth between Leicester and Market Harborough on the A6. The site features a series of freehold and leasehold industrial units ranging from 1,270 sq ft to 16,272 sq ft. Phase One, which completed back in July, saw a huge number of interested parties, with over 80% sold before completion. This therefore boosted Clowes’ decision to begin Phase Two. Kevin Webster, Associate Director at Clowes Developments comments: “We are delighted to have achieved Practical Completion on Phase Two at Beauchamp Business Park. Phase One has proven to be a great success with occupiers and investors and with deals already agreed for several of the units in Phase Two we are certain that popularity will continue. I now look forward to seeing it fully operational and a thriving business park over the coming months.” Clowes Developments retained agents TDB Real Estate and Phillips Sutton for Phase Two of the scheme. Sam Sutton, Director at Phillips Sutton comments: “We are thrilled with the success of Phase One at Beauchamp Business Park, with 100% take up. As we move into Phase Two, we are excited to see continued interest, with several units already under offer. This growth not only highlights the strategic importance of our location, but the demand for good quality freehold units in Leicestershire.” Jack Brown, Associate Director at TDB Real Estate adds: “It is fantastic news that we have now reached Practical Completion of Phase Two of Beauchamp Business Park. With Phase One being so popular with both local businesses and investors we anticipate Phase Two will continue this trend. The Units all look fantastic, and present really well in a market which has a shortage of good quality stock” Phase Two has seen the creation of two additional terraces and a semi-detached unit to be used for B1 and B2 use class, ranging in sizes from 2,271 sq ft to 16,272 sq ft. Clowes Developments is one of the UK’s largest and strongest privately-owned property investment and development organisations. Headquartered in Ednaston, Derbyshire, the company are experts in land acquisition and promotion, property development and asset management. Whilst available space at Beauchamp Business Park is limited there does remain some opportunity. Interested parties are invited to contact the site agents, Sam Sutton, Phillips Sutton on 07794 081 052 and Jack Brown, TDBRE on 07969 291 660. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A multimillion-pound renovation project at Bradford College has transformed a derelict mill into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students. Garden Mills on Thornton Road opened its doors to staff and students this week after months of construction work on the 1900s five-storey building. The development results from £5.8 million in funding from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund with a £1.1 million College contribution. The site is now Bradford College’s dedicated building for HNC, HND, and degree programmes in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), including digital and ophthalmic courses. The site supplements the extensive STEM facilities established across other College campuses. Contractors Tilbury Douglas led the Garden Mills project and installation of industry-standard equipment, including 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. 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.” Garden Mills is the first of several Bradford College capital developments to be completed. Over the last two years, Bradford College secured nearly £32 million in funding, which is being used to enhance, refurbish, and build aspirational new facilities in the heart of Bradford. Other construction projects include new vocational T Level facilities in the College’s David Hockney Building, overseen by Sewell Construction and funded by £3.5 million from the Department for Education (T Level Capital Fund – Wave 5). Set to complete in Autumn, the project will create a commercial barbering salon, nail bar, collaborative lecture spaces, TV studio, media editing and recording studios, and a remodel of The Grove training restaurant. Work on the College’s purpose-built Future Technologies Centre is also underway with Phase 1 of the scheme led by contractor Morgan Sindall. This new site will support the growth of technology and low-carbon skills capability within West Yorkshire and be the home of modern automotive and digital engineering curricula, such as electric/hybrid vehicles and advanced manufacturing. The College’s Automotive, Digital and Engineering Department will relocate to the new premises once completed in 2025/2026. Students will use industry-relevant facilities to gain skills in new technologies for careers in a fast-moving sector. The project was made possible by a £15 million investment from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF), boosted by a £2m College contribution. The Future Technologies Centre, Garden Mills, and T Level facilities all form part of Bradford College’s ambitious estates strategy. The capital masterplan centres around building facilities that open up pioneering student careers and support regional economic growth.Find out more about the Garden Mills project and other ongoing capital projects: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/capitalprojects Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
