Technically perfect steel signing held for GMIoT Salford

The event brought together partners, project and construction teams and other stakeholders to sign a commemorative steel beam, which is symbolic of teamwork and the evolution of the ambitious project. 

The new learning centre will focus on higher-level, real world technical education and training across the construction, engineering, computing, creative media, business and health sciences sectors.

Jo Purves, Pro Vice-Chancellor Partnerships and Global Engagement at the University of Salford, said: “It was great to be part of this celebratory steel signing event for the GMIoT. Over the past few years, we have been working hard with our further education and industry partners to create a new home for our popular technical skills courses. Collaboration and dedication have been key to getting us where we are today.  Having this ambitious project on our doorstep here in Salford makes us extremely proud. The construction is developing at pace and I’m excited to see it open to our students in early 2026.”

Claire Foreman, Director of the GMIoT, said: " Watching our dedicated GMIoT learning centre develop from the initial concept stages to now, just months away from completion, has been extremely inspiring. I’m happy to say today’s event marks not just progress, but also purpose. The new centre will really put Greater Manchester on the map when it comes to higher technical education, and I’m delighted that students will benefit from a cutting-edge environment where every learner feels empowered to gain essential skills, grow and succeed.”

Tilbury Douglas are the contractors behind the state-of-the-art building which is on track for completion by the end of 2025. The low carbon 1840 m² building has been designed by jmarchitects and features an innovative green roof with photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy, alongside a green living wall supported by rainwater harvesting. Inside there are cutting-edge spaces to support learning, including flexible digital labs, a prototyping workshop and ICT studios, all within close proximity to leafy, green Peel Park. 

Martin Horne, Regional Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “This steel signing marks a powerful moment in the delivery of a facility that will have a real and lasting impact. We’re proud to be delivering a highly sustainable, future focused building that reflects the ambitions of the University and its partners. The GMIoT will play a vital role in equipping learners with the technical skills that industry demands. It’s a privilege to help bring this vision to life in the heart of Salford.” 

Led by the University of Salford, with Wigan & Leigh College as the lead Further Education (FE) partner, the GMIoT brings together a number of colleges and employers in the city region. The new building will be a base for teaching the University’s GMIoT students and for students and staff from partner institutions to visit for collaborative work together and with industry.

The site is a key part of the University’s multi-million-pound Campus Connectivity Plan, which is the major redevelopment of its research, teaching and public spaces and is the most ambitious development of its estate to date. The building will complement the wider Crescent Salford masterplan delivered by Salford City Council in partnership with the University and ECF (English Cities Fund).

Captions: 

Claire Foreman, Director of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology signs the steel in the new building

Colin Dowell, Billy McNicholas (Tilbury Douglas) , Paul Ward (University of Salford), Claire Foreman (GMIoT), Gary Ashmore (University of Salford), Jo Purves (University of Salford) and Lee Holland from Tilbury Douglas visit the new building.

Claire Foreman from the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology, Jo  Purves from the University of Salford and Colin Dowell from Tilbury Douglas  sign the steel in the new building

Notes to editors:

About the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT)

The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) is a regional network of education providers and leading industry employers, working in partnership to deliver world-class technical education and training in STEAM-based subjects.

Education partners of the GMIoT include University of Salford alongside leading colleges: Wigan & Leigh College, Bury College, Tameside College and Ada, the National College for Digital Skills.

Backed by major employers, and other industry leaders, GMIoT delivers higher technical education in fields such as engineering, construction, digital, and health sciences. 

As one of 21 Institutes of Technology funded by the Department for Education, GMIoT focuses on higher-level technical qualifications, apprenticeships, and progression pathways that meet regional skills needs and drive innovation across Greater Manchester.

www.gmiot.ac.uk/