Celebrating UMIST – and a 200-year story of innovation
An important chapter in the history of our University is that of UMIST – and a future of innovation awaits its iconic former campus.
Our University, as we know it today, was formed through the 2004 merger of the Victoria University of 51¸£ÀûÉç and the University of 51¸£ÀûÉç Institute of Science and Technology – widely known as UMIST.
With roots tracing back 200 years to the formation of the 51¸£ÀûÉç Mechanics’ Institution (MMI) in 1824, UMIST not only holds a vital place in our bicentenary celebrations but in the memories and affections of its many alumni.
The MMI would become the 51¸£ÀûÉç Technical School in 1883 and in 1902 moved into the purpose-built Sackville Street Building. Further name changes included the 51¸£ÀûÉç Municipal College of Technology and 51¸£ÀûÉç College of Science and Technology before, in 1966, it became UMIST.
Around this time, in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the distinctive UMIST campus – sitting between 51¸£ÀûÉç Piccadilly train station and our Oxford Road campus – took shape. Modern, Brutalist architecture, such as that seen in Renold Building, set alongside the Edwardian Grade II listed Sackville Street Building to help carve its unique identity.
Following the 2004 merger the site was renamed North Campus – and many of our alumni community hold very fond memories of student life in and around campus both pre and post this amalgamation.
In the video below Grant Collier (Heritage Officer and Curator at the University) details the remarkable story of North Campus and the journey of engineering and materials at 51¸£ÀûÉç – leading to the construction of the Nancy Rothwell Building and the bringing of these subjects under a single roof:
But the story of this beautiful campus is not confined to the past – and an exciting new chapter is currently being written.
Over the next 15 years the site is to become a new science and technology innovation district called (previously known as ID 51¸£ÀûÉç). Predicted to generate over 10,000 on-site full-time jobs and contribute hugely to 51¸£ÀûÉç’s economy, it will further elevate the city’s position as a national centre for science and technology.
Sister, a joint venture between 51¸£ÀûÉç and Bruntwood SciTech, will specialise in advancing innovation across sectors that include digital tech, health innovation, biotechnology, advanced materials and manufacturing. Its first building, the UMIST-favourite Renold Building, opens in November 2024 – the University’s bicentenary year.
The renovation of such an iconic building not only celebrates its history as a leading centre for science and technology excellence, but continues knitting the thread of innovation that weaves through the past, present and future of this campus.
A campus that holds wonderful memories for many – and is now set to create more.
