A steel signing ceremony was held to mark the final steel beam being put in place at the new £14.3m technical skills centre.
The University of Salford hosted the ceremony at Peel Park Campus for the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) building.
The event brought together partners, project and construction teams and other stakeholders to sign a commemorative steel beam.
The symbolic signing was used to mark the teamwork and the evolution of the ambitious project.
Led by the University of Salford, with Wigan & Leigh College as the lead Further Education (FE) partner – the new learning centre will focus on higher-level, real world technical education.
The building will focus on training across the construction, engineering, computing, creative media, business and health sciences sectors.
And will be in line with 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 – opening in 2026.
Following the signing, 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.”
Jo continued: “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.”
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.
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.”
Martin continued: “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 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).
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