Once derelict mill becomes cutting-edge learning facility

The Ophthalmic department at Bradford College has relocated to the newly renovated Garden Mills building on Thornton Road.

The five-storey building is now the home for flexible digital, science, and allied health programmes for higher-level students.

Included in the training accommodated by this property, is ophthalmic courses for students aiming to register as qualified Dispensing Opticians with the General Optical Council.

Contractors Tilbury Douglas led the project and installation of industry-standard equipment, including a new ophthalmic dispensing suite, prep room, clinical suite, real-life work environment with consulting and testing booths, a collaboration area, six digital IT labs, and academic teaching spaces.

Garden Mills’ transformation was made possible thanks to £5.8m in funding from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund with a £1.1m college contribution.

The previously derelict mill is now a modern facility for HNC, HND, and degree programmes in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Paula Perrott, head of school for ophthalmic dispensing at Bradford College, said: “The start of the academic year is always an exciting time; however, this year has been very special.

“Our move to Garden Mills has been warmly welcomed by our students and our lecturing team.

“The new facilities and digital enhancements are already enriching our student experience, supplementing our syllabus within practice high-tech simulation.”