A new low-carbon centre for skills and business growth has officially opened in Hereford.
Located at NMITE’s Blackfriars campus in Hereford, the modern timber-framed building will serve as a hub for community learning, innovation, and enterprise.
It was funded with more than £2 million from the Government’s Towns Fund, and forms part of the broader Stronger Hereford programme – an initiative to make Hereford a better place to live, learn, work and visit.
James Newby, president and CEO of NMITE, said: "We wanted this to be much more than another building for NMITE.
"It’s a place for businesses, employers and the wider community to use, so it matters that it is a real asset to Hereford too.
"I’m delighted that Arbor Architects have given us something so distinctive – a beautifully designed building that makes a real contribution to our growing city campus and to the city itself."
Designed by Arbor Architects, the building features an open glulam timber frame supplied by Buckland Timber, which also serves as a hands-on teaching tool for NMITE’s engineering students.
Elly Deacon Smith, director at Arbor Architects, said: "It has been a real pleasure to work with NMITE to bring this project to life.
"The site is an inspiring showcase of modern timber construction, demonstrating the potential of sustainable, locally sourced materials while creating a welcoming and adaptable place for learning and innovation.
"We hope it will serve the business community for many years to come and play an important role in helping Hereford develop the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed for the future."
The centre will host NMITE’s next open day on November 21 and will launch a new CPD course, Leading in Engineering, on January 21.
The course is designed to support upskilling, reskilling, and professional development for employers and individuals.
An open evening will be held on Thursday, November 12, from 6.30pm.
Members of the public are invited to tour the building and learn about NMITE’s vision for connecting business and academia.
Visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/opening-celebration-of-the-nmite-centre-for-innovation-and-future-skills-tickets-2003417535780? to book tickets.
The building will be formally named in early 2027 during an official naming ceremony.
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