A £6.9 million transformation of a derelict historic building into Bradford College's state-of-the-art Garden Mills facility has earned recognition across the UK property and construction sectors, with the project named a finalist in three prestigious awards.

The extensive refurbishment of the five-storey 1900s building on Thornton Road has been shortlisted for the Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber Awards 2025, the Insider Yorkshire Property Awards 2025, and the Education Estates Awards 2025.

Delivered by contractor Tilbury Douglas, the project was completed in Autumn 2024, breathing new life into the site and establishing it as a cutting-edge STEM learning hub. Garden Mills now serves HNC, HND, and degree-level students, including those studying ophthalmic and digital disciplines.


The facility adds significant strength to the College's health science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) offering. The revamped building features high-spec digital IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite, a clinical suite, real-life consulting and testing booths, collaborative learning areas, and modern teaching spaces.

After reaching the finals of the Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber Awards, the project was shortlisted in the 'Refurbishment/Renovation of the Year' category at the Insider Yorkshire Property Awards, taking place on 18th September. It was later announced as a finalist for 'Project of the Year – Colleges' at the Education Estates Awards, which will be held on 14th October at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester.

Pamela Sheldon, Bradford College Head of Projects, said: "We're thrilled that Garden Mills has been recognised as an industry-leading refurbishment project. This cutting-edge STEM facility is an incredible new learning environment for our higher-level and degree students, enabling Bradford College to address critical skills gaps in the region moving forward.

"This refurbishment programme delivered a significant social value return on investment of nearly £2 million. Thanks to our contractor, Tilbury Douglas, we ensured that 75% of orders were placed locally and that the project contributed to the community through a range of successful partnerships."