An artist’s impression of the new facility, designed by JM Architects

Tilbury Douglas has been named as the construction partner for the new flagship Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) building in Salford.

The £14.3m project, located on the University of Salford’s Peel Park Campus, will serve as a cutting-edge learning centre, focused on delivering technical education and training across multiple sectors including construction, engineering, computing, creative media, business, and health sciences.

Designed by JM Architects, the 1,840sq m, two-storey building will be a beacon of innovation and sustainability.

Hands-on learning

The low-carbon design incorporates a green roof fitted with photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy and a living wall supported by rainwater harvesting, ensuring the building’s environmental footprint is minimised.

Inside, students will benefit from flexible digital labs, prototyping workshops, and ICT studios—facilities specifically designed to foster hands-on learning and collaboration with industry.

Construction is set to begin this autumn, with completion targeted for 2025.

Martin Horne, regional director for the North West at Tilbury Douglas, said: “As the construction partner for this project, we are excited to help bring the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology’s vision to life.

“This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for technical education and innovation, with a focus on sustainability and real-world skills development.

“We’re proud to be part of a project that will make a lasting impact on the future workforce of Greater Manchester.”

Sustainable learning spaces

Phil Shaw, managing director for building (North) at Tilbury Douglas, added: “Our strength in the higher education sector is built on our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, sustainable learning spaces. “We are proud to contribute to the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology, a project that will help shape the future of technical education and skills in the region.”

The GMIoT is a key part of Mayor, Andy Burnham’s, vision for an integrated technical education system that responds to the evolving needs of the workforce and the economy.

By delivering technical training co-created with employers, the new learning centre will equip students with the practical skills required to thrive in high-growth sectors.

And, with this new building, Tilbury Douglas and its partners are not only enhancing the University of Salford’s Campus Connectivity Plan but also helping to drive innovation, skills development, and employment opportunities across the Greater Manchester region.

Skills for the future

Jo Purves, pro vice-chancellor for academic development at the University of Salford, said: “I’m excited to see plans for our innovative GMIoT building come to life.

“Collaboration is in our DNA as a university and over the past few years we’ve been working alongside our further education and industry partners to envision a new home for our technical skills courses.

“We are also committed to ensuring the university’s expertise in research and innovation links directly to how we equip learners with skills for future employment in Greater Manchester.

“The GMIoT is a response to industry’s constantly evolving demand for skills, with courses on offer intended to fast track learners into jobs in growth sectors for the region.”