Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT)

Location: Manchester
Sector: Education
Division: Regional Building

Tilbury Douglas was appointed by the Department for Education to deliver the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT), a flagship development supporting the region’s technical education offer. The project brings together a network of education providers and leading industry employers, working in partnership to deliver world class technical education and training in STEM based subjects.

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Located within the University of Salford’s Peel Park Campus, the facility plays a key role in the University’s wider Campus Connectivity Plan, enhancing links between education, industry and the local community.

The GMIoT delivers flexible, higher learning environments that equip students with the skills required for modern technical careers. Developed in collaboration with industry partners, the curriculum responds directly to current workforce demands while preparing learners for future opportunities. Through innovative Level 4 and 5 (HNC/HND) qualifications, the institute supports the development of a skilled, work ready talent pipeline, contributing to business growth and regional economic prosperity.

Tilbury Douglas worked in collaboration with stakeholders from an early stage to design and construct the two-storey facility, located on a tightly constrained site within a live university campus.

The new 1840m² building features a green roof with photovoltaic panels and a living green wall, showcasing the sustainability which was central to the building’s design. The external landscaping includes a peace and wellbeing garden provided by RHS Bridgewater and designed in collaboration with university students, featuring a bespoke pergola. Inside, specialised learning spaces include digital labs, prototyping workshops and ICT studios.

£14.3m

Project value

December 2025

Completion date

Department for Education

Client

Innovation and technical excellence

Sustainability was central to the project; features such as the photovoltaic panels were installed and later refined during delivery, benefitting from a redesign of panel positioning to maximise efficiency. We also integrated rainwater harvesting systems to support the living wall, reducing reliance on mains water.

Not only do these features contribute to a lower-carbon university campus but also provide practical and visible learning opportunities for GMIoT students studying technical disciplines.

Community and social impact

The GMIoT project delivered over £8.2m in social value, achieving a 65% Social Return on Investment (SROI). A strong focus was placed on apprenticeships and skills development throughout construction, supporting 186 apprenticeship training weeks and providing over 40 hours of careers engagement led by the project team.

Prioritising local economic impact, approximately 70% of project spend was directed to local businesses, with the supply chain also supporting the creation of five new jobs for local people.

Community engagement remained a key focus, with the team delivering a range of initiatives to support local causes. This included hosting a charity football match at the University of Salford, raising £2,150 for KidsCan Children’s Cancer Research.

Delivery and performance

The GMIoT combines state-of-the-art facilities with flexible learning environments to support advanced technical training, creating opportunities for students, employers and the wider community to succeed.

Embedded within the region, the institute works closely with local employers, schools and community groups to address skills shortages and support delivery of the Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Plan, contributing to regional economic growth.

Strong employer engagement is central to its success, with partners actively involved in course design, site visits, skills initiatives and work experience opportunities, helping to align education with industry needs while strengthening business development and collaboration.

Students benefit from a consistent, quality experience across all partner institutions, including Ada, Bury College, Tameside College, the University of Salford and Wigan & Leigh College, as part of a connected GMIoT community.

Structural Engineer: Sutcliffe
M&E Engineer: TACE
Architect: JM Architects
Framework: DfE Cf21