University of Bolton building named in honour of former bishop

The building is home to the University’s Institute of Management, Greater Manchester, and is now known as The McCulloch Building.

It is a tribute to the university’s former chair of Governors, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch.

During a special ceremony, the university’s Chancellor, the Earl of St Andrews, paid a glowing tribute to Bishop Nigel at the building on Great Moor Street.

He said: “Bishop Nigel has been a key driving force in the university’s development and his unfailing support has been pivotal in helping the institution become the success it is today.”

It was attended by a limited number of VIP guests, including governors and senior members of the university, who have worked closely with Bishop Nigel over the years.

A portrait of Bishop Nigel was also commissioned and is now hanging in the foyer of the building, along with a plaque commemorating the special ceremony.

Prof George Holmes, university vice chancellor, told Bishop Nigel: “We now have you weaved into the fabric of this university in terms of the McCulloch name.

“This building has a reputation for excellence and so it is fitting that it will be renamed in honour of a man whose whole life has been dedicated to achieving excellence in everything he has done.”

Bishop Nigel was born and brought up in Crosby, Liverpool, and was educated at Liverpool College, studying theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge, and trained for the priesthood at Cuddesdon College, Oxford.

In 2013, Bishop Nigel became the first Bishop of Manchester to be honoured with a knighthood by the Queen, with the insignia of a Knight Commander of the Victorian Order (KCVO).

He later joined the University of Bolton as an independent member of the board in November 2008,

He also sat on various committees and, having served a two-year period as deputy chair of the board of governors, in December 2013, Bishop Nigel became the chair of the board of governors and held that post until his retirement in February 2020.