Bridgend College has selected Willmott Dixon for its ambitious new campus development, signalling a significant transformation in local educational infrastructure.
- The relocation involves shifting from Cowbridge Road to a new town centre site, formerly a police station and car park, emphasising strategic urban rejuvenation.
- Designed by Rio Architects, the upcoming campus aims for ‘net zero in operation’ status by 2026, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
- The £60m project procured via the SEWSCAP 3 framework will feature state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing learning experiences for students.
- Willmott Dixon’s approach includes engaging local supply chains and students, reflecting its enduring commitment to community and education.
Bridgend College’s decision to entrust Willmott Dixon with constructing its new Town Centre Campus marks a pivotal development in the region’s educational landscape. The relocation from the Cowbridge Road site to an area that previously housed a police station and multi-storey car park represents a strategic move to breathe new life into the town centre. This transition underscores the dual objective of expanding educational opportunities while contributing to urban renewal.
The new campus, designed by Rio Architects, is set to impress not only through its aesthetic appeal but also in its environmental ethos. With a vision to be ‘net zero in operation’ upon its completion in the summer of 2026, this development stands as a testament to Bridgend College’s commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking educational infrastructure. The project is procured through the SEWSCAP 3 framework, ensuring robust governance and alignment with regional development goals.
The planned facilities within the 13,000 square metre campus are poised to transform student experiences, offering a 200-seat theatre, hair and beauty salons, recording and dance studios, alongside design workshops and meeting spaces. Such features highlight a comprehensive approach to cater to a diverse range of educational and extracurricular needs, fostering an environment conducive to learning and creativity.
Neal Stephens, Willmott Dixon’s regional managing director, highlighted the company’s strategic focus on supporting the local economy by engaging regional supply chain partners wherever feasible. His statement, “Just like then, our focus will be on supporting the ‘local pound’ by using regional supply chain partners where possible and working with students at Bridgend College to support their own learning journeys,” echoes their previous initiatives in the area, such as the Police Learning Centre in Bridgend.
Willmott Dixon’s involvement in the Bridgend campus project reinforces its role as a committed partner in educational development within South Wales, aligning with the broader objectives of enhancing regional prosperity through strategic infrastructure expansion.
Bridgend College’s new campus, spearheaded by Willmott Dixon, exemplifies a forward-thinking blend of education, sustainability, and community engagement.
