Plans for a new £14 million building for the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) have been approved in Salford.

Work on the building on the University of Salford’s Peel Park Campus is due to begin in autumn featuring a state-of-the-art green roof with with solar panels to generate renewable energy.

The institute, run with Wigan & Leigh College, will also feature a green living wall supported by rainwater harvesting.

The GMIoT is in line with the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham’s vision to focus on real world technical education.

The facility will hope to deliver cutting-edge training across the construction, engineering, computing, creative media, business and health sciences sectors.

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

“We’ve been working alongside our further education and industry partners to envision a new home for our technical skills courses.”

She added: “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.

“I’m proud to have the hub of this ambitious project based in Salford.”

The University of Salford Clinic Building
The University of Salford Clinic Building

The announcement follows the recent planning approval for a pioneering health centre on the university’s Frederick Road campus. The new site will offer a health and wellbeing hub for students in the heart of the campus, with work set to begin in late October.

The technology building will be a modern two-storey space, designed by jmarchitects, hosting flexible digital labs, prototyping workshop and ICT studios.

The project also supports the Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Plan (GM LSIP), which aims to make technical and vocational education more responsive to local skills needs.

Claire Foreman, director of the GMIoT, said: “Watching our new hub take shape is truly inspiring.

“At the GMIoT, we’re passionate about nurturing local talent and fostering a vibrant community of learners.

“Together, we’re shaping a brighter tomorrow for Greater Manchester.”

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