The Cardiff and Vale College has received approval for a £65m advanced technology campus at Cardiff Airport, marking a significant educational expansion.
- This state-of-the-art 130,000 sq ft facility is one of two new campuses being developed under a £100m investment.
- Anticipated to support 2,000 learners, the campus will focus on advanced technologies and green skills to meet net zero targets.
- Construction is set to commence next year, pending government approval, with completion aimed for 2026.
- The Welsh Government’s mutual investment model (MIM) will predominantly fund these campuses, a first for college projects.
The Cardiff and Vale College’s ambitious expansion sees the official green light for a £65m advanced technology centre at Cardiff Airport, forming part of a larger £100m educational investment. This initiative will see the development of two new campuses, aimed at enhancing advanced technology education in the region.
The new 130,000 sq ft campus will be built adjacent to the College’s existing International Centre for Aerospace Training. It is designed to accommodate around 2,000 learners and employ over 100 staff, significantly boosting the educational infrastructure in the Vale of Glamorgan. However, the construction commencement is contingent upon Welsh Government approval of the business case, with an expected start next year and completion by 2026.
This venture, with its emphasis on advanced technologies and green skills, aims to address economic development and meet the skill demands of employers, particularly in renewable technologies and retrofit skills necessary for achieving net zero carbon targets. The campus will offer a range of educational opportunities, including full-time courses, apprenticeships, part-time courses, and higher education in collaboration with university partners.
Complementing this innovative project, Cardiff and Vale College has also secured planning permission for a £35m waterfront campus in Barry. This 60,000 sq ft campus will serve up to 1,000 students and replace the existing Barry site, commencing construction early next year, with opening slated towards the end of 2026. The existing site’s sale will partly fund the new developments.
Funding for these campuses will largely come from the Welsh Government’s mutual investment model (MIM), marking its debut in college project funding. The college will contribute approximately 19% of the financial requirements, with construction costs spread over 25 years. Mike James, Group Chief Executive, expressed enthusiasm about the approval, highlighting the commitment to delivering high-quality learning environments.
Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Lis Burnett, praised the project, noting that the advanced technology centre will further position the region as a hub of international excellence. She emphasized the potential economic impact and employment opportunities provided by this new educational facility, aligned with the existing aerospace centre’s success in the region.
The approval of the Cardiff and Vale College’s ambitious campuses signifies a transformative step towards educational advancement and economic enhancement in the Vale of Glamorgan.
