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The was created through collaboration between the University, local employers, and education partners across Greater Manchester, all united by a shared goal: to strengthen the region’s skills pipeline for the future.  

A symbol of collaboration 

The £14.3m centre brings higher-level technical education under one roof, supporting learners to access fast-growing sectors including esports, construction, digital technologies, social and creative media, and computing.  

When the building officially opened in February 2026, the University celebrated not just the space itself, but what it represents - a symbol of the power of working together.  

The GMIoT is a collaborative partnership between the ���ϳԹ���, Wigan & Leigh College, Bury College, Tameside College, Trafford and Stockport College and Ada - the National College for Digital Skills. All education providers will use the building as a shared learning hub. 

Four strategic employer partners – the BBC, Laing O’Rourke, Siemens and GCHQ – work with a wider network of engaged businesses to provide GMIoT students with work placements, apprenticeships and opportunities to support live projects. 

Tilbury Douglas were the contractors behind the building which was designed by jmarchitects. RHS Bridgewater also donated a wellbeing garden for students and colleagues to enjoy. 

A cross-university effort 

Teams across the University worked collaboratively on the initiative, including Project Manager Roohi Hussain. “Working as a Project Manager for the GMIoT project has been a real privilege,” she said. “Its successful delivery was only made possible through cooperation across University teams and the support of our external partners. The GMIoT stands as a great example of effective partnership working and cross-team collaboration,” she said.  

Senior Marketing Manager Alex Herod also echoed this sentiment. Alex worked closely with our academic teams to create tailored course offerings across in-demand career pathways. “Working closely with the Academic Lead for Higher Technical Skills offered the chance to share skills and knowledge from our different areas of expertise,” she said. “It greatly increased my understanding of academic frameworks and ways of working, which directly impacted my ability to offer tailored marketing guidance and support.” 

Luke Harrison, who was seconded into the Academic Lead for Higher Technical Skills role and worked closely with Alex, reflected on the experience: “Collaborating with colleagues from a range of departments - including many I wouldn’t usually work with in my lecturer role - was invaluable. Gaining insights from other teams was particularly rewarding ultimately helped to provide the best possible experience for our students.” 

Looking to the future 

The University’s support for the GMIoT is part of its wider mission to help deliver accessible high-quality training to people in ���ϳԹ��� and Greater Manchester, as well as clear job opportunities. The site is part of the University’s Campus Connectivity Plan which is the major redevelopment of its research, teaching and public spaces. The new building is part of the wider Masterplan in which the University is a partner along with ���ϳԹ��� City Council and English Cities Fund. 

Jo Purves, Pro Vice-Chancellor Partnerships and Global Engagement, said: “The GMIoT sits at the heart of our approach to bringing together universities, further education colleges and employers to design training that directly responds to industry need — particularly in high-growth sectors such as construction, engineering and digital technologies."

Claire Foreman, Director of the GMIoT, added: “We are delighted that the University’s GMIoT teaching building is open. As a hub for the whole GMIoT partnership, the centre represents an important milestone in the regional delivery of Level 4 and 5 technical education."

Learn more about the GMIoT: