Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 16th, 2026
•Bradford College has recently unveiled its impressive new £19.3 million Motor Vehicle and Engineering Building, known as Junction Mills. After nearly two years of construction, this state-of-the-art facility is set to transform the way students learn about automotive and engineering fields. The building is located on Thornton Road and is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the skills of future engineers, particularly in the growing areas of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Investment and Construction
The construction of Junction Mills was made possible through substantial funding support. A significant portion, £17.8 million, came from the Department for Education's Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF), while Bradford College contributed £1.5 million of its own funds. This investment demonstrates a strong commitment to providing high-quality education and training facilities for students in the region.
Bradford College Junction Mills Opening Event
Bradford College Junction Mills Opening Event
Bradford College Junction Mills Opening Event
Bradford College Junction Mills Opening Event
Bradford College Junction Mills Opening Event
Bradford College Junction Mills Opening Event
Bradford College Junction Mills Opening Event
Bradford College Junction Mills Opening Event
Bradford College Junction Mills Opening EventNotably, the new building replaces a derelict textile mill, which was demolished to make way for this modern educational hub. It stands as one of the largest developments in Bradford city centre since the completion of One City Park, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing revitalisation efforts.
Facilities and Features
The Junction Mills building spans four storeys and is equipped with the latest technology and resources for students. Key features include:
Collaboration classrooms for group work and projects.
IT labs that provide access to advanced software and tools.
A boardroom for meetings and presentations.
A student balcony for relaxation and informal gatherings.
Three large workshops that allow hands-on experience with traditional cars, electric vehicles (EVs), and even hydrogen fuel cell cars.
Students will also benefit from industry-relevant equipment, including:
Professional vehicle lifts designed for MOT testing and wheel alignment.
Computerised roller brake testing systems.
Petrol and diesel emission analysers.
Tyre changers and more.
This new facility is expected to accommodate up to 650 students, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in the automotive and engineering industries.
Opening Ceremony
The official opening of Junction Mills featured a celebration that included special guests such as motor vehicle journalist Abigayle André and Judith Cummins, the Labour MP for Bradford South and Deputy Speaker. During the event, attendees were treated to speeches from key figures, including Morgan Sindall Area Director Ben Hall and Craig Walton, General Service Manager at Ray Chapman Motors, a renowned Volvo and Chery retailer in the region.
Abigayle André shared her thoughts on the importance of the new facility:
“It is not just about what the industry looks like today; it is about the people who will shape what it looks like tomorrow. It is a real privilege to be here.”
Such sentiments reflect the broader impact that Junction Mills is expected to have on the local community and the future workforce.
Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to enhancing educational opportunities, Junction Mills has also made strides in sustainability. Last year, it became the only new build project in Yorkshire to receive Morgan Sindall Construction’s platinum certification for outstanding carbon savings. The construction included the use of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel for the structural frame, saving 290 tonnes of carbon, while the entire project has saved an impressive 473 tonnes of carbon during its design and construction phases. This achievement is equivalent to the annual heating needs of 175 UK homes.
Future Developments
Bradford College is not stopping with Junction Mills. Over the past three years, the college has secured nearly £32 million in funding, with Junction Mills being a central part of an ambitious estates strategy aimed at nurturing careers that support regional economic growth. Future projects include:
Garden Mills, set to open in Autumn 2024, which will be a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students.
The remodelling of creative facilities for The Producing Academy, scheduled for completion in 2025.
These developments showcase Bradford College’s dedication to providing students with world-class learning environments and the in-demand skills needed for their chosen professions.
