A MULTI-million-pound renovation of a derelict mill has transformed the building into a digital, science, and health training facility for Bradford College students.

Garden Mills on Thornton Road recently opened its doors to staff and students after months of construction work on the 1900s five-storey building.

The development has had £5.8 million in funding from The Office for Students Higher Education Capital Fund, with a £1.1 million college contribution.

The site is now Bradford College’s dedicated building for Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma qualifications, as well as degree programmes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including digital and ophthalmic courses.

The ophthalmic suite in the refurbished Garden MillsThe ophthalmic suite in the refurbished Garden Mills (Image: Bradford College)

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 and 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.

One of the new spaces in Garden MillsOne of the new spaces in Garden Mills (Image: Bradford College) "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 has secured nearly £32 million in funding and this is being used to enhance, refurbish, and build aspirational new facilities in the heart of Bradford. 

One of the new spaces in Garden MillsOne of the new spaces in Garden Mills (Image: Bradford College) 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 be completed 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 next to Garden Mills 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.