Herefordshire’s university project, the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE), has secured a significant charitable donation to support its expansion.
The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust has pledged £3.5 million to fund the construction of a new building and extensive redevelopment at NMITE’s Blackfriars campus. This includes a new main entrance, a courtyard, and substantial interior remodelling.
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.
“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.”
NMITE has a history of creating cutting-edge facilities, exemplified by its Skylon campus, completed in 2022. This sustainable building hosts NMITE’s nationally renowned Centre for Advanced Timber Technology, along with various learning studios and workshops. It serves as a hub for students, researchers, industry professionals, and the community, fostering learning and professional development.
