Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out business, has celebrated a major milestone in the delivery of the new Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) at the University of Salford’s Peel Park Campus.
On Wednesday 14 May, the University hosted a steel signing ceremony to commemorate the placement of the final steel beam for the £14.3 million state-of-the-art learning centre. The event brought together project partners, the construction team and stakeholders to mark the significance of this collaborative achievement.
The 1840 m² low carbon facility, designed by JM architects, is being delivered by Tilbury Douglas and is on schedule for completion by the end of 2025. As part of the University’s Campus Connectivity Plan, the building is designed with sustainability and future-ready learning in mind. It features a green roof with photovoltaic panels, a living wall supported by rainwater harvesting, and adaptable digital and technical learning spaces including digital labs, ICT studios and a prototyping workshop.
Martin Horne, Regional Director – North West 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.”
The new GMIoT building is a hub for higher level technical education across a wide range of sectors including construction, engineering, computing, creative media, business and health sciences. It will support both University of Salford students and learners from partner institutions.
Jo Purves, Pro Vice-Chancellor Partnerships & 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, added: “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.”
Led by the University of Salford with Wigan & Leigh College as the lead FE partner, the GMIoT unites a network of education providers and industry employers across the region. The new building will support collaboration, innovation and skills development across the city region.
The project complements the wider Crescent Salford masterplan being delivered by Salford City Council, the University and ECF, further strengthening Salford’s position as a vibrant, connected and forward-looking city.
