Herefordshire's NMITE university project announces new £3.5 million gift by the Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust

Herefordshire’s pioneering new university project, the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has announced a further major charitable donation as it continues its growth.

The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust has agreed to make a grant of £3.5 million to fund the construction of a new landmark building and extensive redevelopment at NMITE's Blackfriars campus, including a new main entrance, courtyard and remodelling of much of the interior space.

The new building will be subject to the usual planning process, but construction is expected to begin in early 2025. 

James Newby, President & Chief Executive of NMITE, said: "This is a wonderful recognition of the work we have been doing to develop NMITE and extend opportunity to young people across Herefordshire, the Marches and beyond. We will now be able to fully deliver our vision to make the NMITE site a centre for learning, industry partnerships and public discourse.

Newby continues "This new investment will create a landmark building in Hereford and will greatly assist our plans for future growth. We believe NMITE has transformative potential in what it offers young people in Herefordshire, the boost to local economic growth, and the model it potentially offers for small university development elsewhere in the UK. It follows the already secured £2.3m grant from the Stronger Towns programme which will be used to build the institution’s new Centre for Future Skills, bringing the total new investment secured in campus development to nearly £6m”

NMITE has a track record of delivering innovative buildings, notably its Skylon 2500 m2 campus completed in 2022. This exemplar of sustainability houses NMITE’s nationally renowned Centre for Advanced Timber Technology and multiple learning studios and workshops. It is used by students, researchers, industry and the community as a hub for learning and professional development. 

Design and render credit: Arbor Architects

Disclaimer: Images displayed are works in progress and are subject to change

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Conceptual render of the NMITE Future Skills Hub