The initiative has reimagined an unloved space as a calm, biodiverse environment designed to support student wellbeing, learning and sustainability.
The scheme forms part of the wider Junction Mills development, a major investment in Bradford College’s estate. Work on the purpose-built facility began in 2024, creating a state-of-the-art hub for automotive and advanced manufacturing, which will open this September.
Funding totalling £10,000 was made available after Morgan Sindall received two Carbon Awards for exceeding national climate mitigation targets on the Junction Mills development. Following discussions with Bradford College, and as part of its commitment to delivering social value, this funding was directed into the garden, ensuring lasting environmental and community benefits.
Located near the Bradford Beck, the area had become underused over time and required improvement to make it safe and welcoming. It now features a thoughtfully designed outdoor space with seating areas, biodiversity planting, a water feature, bee habitats, bat boxes, bug hotels and a beck viewing deck.
The planting scheme uses native species to support local wildlife and strengthen the existing ecosystem, while offering students a peaceful retreat from the busy campus environment.
The team of T Level Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction students – Zara Khan, Hasan Safdar and Daniel Ivanovs – worked alongside Morgan Sindall Degree Apprentice Callum Porter to deliver the scheme from concept through to completion.
They developed the layout, produced cost plans, managed subcontractors and ensured health and safety compliance, gaining valuable hands-on experience aligned with their studies and future careers.
Their designs were presented to college Heads of Department for approval, providing experience in professional client engagement and project delivery.
Zara said, “From this project I have learnt various things, such as skills in planning, budgeting, and design, including sustainable design. The project has allowed me to witness ideas on paper come to life step by step, which has fuelled my passion to learn more about the industry. I have explored aspects of construction I would never have had the chance to before, such as biodiversity, and how design can be used to support and enhance the natural environment rather than damage it.”
Day-to-day delivery was led by Morgan Sindall Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Callum Porter, who worked closely with the students to guide the project from concept to completion.
Through this hands-on approach, they were immersed in the realities of a live construction environment—from stakeholder engagement and budgeting to site coordination and health and safety management—translating classroom learning into practical skills.
Reflecting on the experience, Callum said:
“Leading the team of T-Level students on this project has been a valuable experience for me. Taking a space that was in a poor, overgrown state and working together to turn it into something positive for the college really highlighted the impact of good teamwork and clear communication. Professionally, it’s helped me build confidence in managing people as well as engaging with stakeholders. Also, being new to the industry myself, it was great to learn more about the fundamentals of construction and the processes that take place throughout the lifecycle of a project. It was fantastic not only to build skills myself, but also see the T-level team build confidence throughout.”
The initiative brought together multiple departments across the College alongside external partners. The team also engaged with Sustainability Team Lead Chelsie Naylor, contributing to wider social value goals linked to Junction Mills.
Pam Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College, said:
“As Head of Projects, I am passionate about ensuring our capital developments deliver genuine social value alongside physical improvements. The Garden Mills Wellbeing Garden is a powerful example of how investment in our estate can positively impact student wellbeing, sustainability and skills development.
By working in partnership with Morgan Sindall and placing students at the heart of the project, we have transformed an underused space into a safe, inclusive and biodiverse environment that will benefit our college community for years to come. Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful design and collaboration can leave a lasting legacy beyond bricks and mortar.”
Student input played a key role in shaping the project. A survey, developed collaboratively with Youth Social Action Apprentice Corinne Beattie, gathered feedback from across the college community.
Responses highlighted strong demand for a calming, nature-based space. Suggestions included: wildlife habitats for birds and pollinators, green planting and sustainable features, seating areas for studying and socialising and a relaxing, inclusive environment promoting wellbeing.
Students also expressed a willingness to help maintain the space, demonstrating a strong sense of ownership and pride in the project.
Work began in early 2026, with initial concepts developed in January and refined throughout February. Following approval in March, the site was safely cleared ahead of construction.
During the Easter period, subcontractors completed hard landscaping works, including site preparation, installation of trellis fencing, construction of decking and seating areas, and planting of biodiversity flower beds.
Despite minor challenges such as weather delays and sourcing a mural artist, the project was completed to a high standard.
T Level student Hasan said, “This project has allowed me to develop and strengthen my team work skills, not only working with Callum, Daniel and Zara but working with people from the Morgan Sindall supply chain such as Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and Tradesmen. Each one has taught me a variety of different skills that I will carry with me in my journey through the industry. The real-world experience allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and explore careers in the industry I wouldn’t have otherwise known.”
The finished garden provides a tranquil outdoor space for students and staff to relax, study and reconnect with nature. Features such as bird houses, bat boxes and bug hotels encourage wildlife, while carefully selected planting supports biodiversity and pollinators.
The space also offers opportunities for outdoor learning, supported by an ecological information board and interactive QR code to help users explore the surrounding environment and species.
T Level student Daniel said, “Working on the project for me was extremely satisfying and educational. To be able to contribute to something real and that will have an impact on both the natural environment and students’ wellness was very motivating. We did have a few delays regarding the weather however we overcame it through strategic planning. I hope the garden will positively impact the way the students view construction and will act as a wellness space, to relax and unwind. We hope they use the space to learn more about the Bradford Beck and the native species and plant life.”
The Wellbeing Garden demonstrates the value of combining education with industry partnerships. Students have gained hands-on experience in project management, construction processes and stakeholder engagement, helping prepare them for future careers.
Meanwhile, the College community benefits from a lasting, inclusive space that promotes wellbeing and environmental responsibility. We look forward to seeing the garden used and enjoyed for years to come.
Click here to find out more about our T Level in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction course.
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