Cardiff and Vale College has received planning approval for a new state-of-the-art £35m waterfront campus in Barry. Work on this ambitious project, aimed at serving up to 1,000 students, is set to commence early next year.
Funded primarily through the Welsh Government’s mutual investment model (MIM), this campus represents a significant advancement in educational infrastructure, promising modern facilities and a commitment to sustainability.
Innovative Funding Model
The new campus will be funded mainly through the Welsh Government’s mutual investment model (MIM), a pioneering approach that allows construction costs to be repaid over a 25-year period. This project marks the first time that MIM has been utilised for a further education college in Wales, highlighting its innovative financial strategy.
Campus Features and Facilities
The 60,000 sq ft campus is designed to be Wales’s first net zero learning environment. It will offer a range of facilities, including a hair and beauty salon, a bistro/restaurant run by students, classrooms, IT rooms, a garden terrace, and a courtyard with seating.
Additionally, students will contribute to designing public art that will be integrated into the campus structure, fostering a sense of ownership and community.
Timeline and Construction
Construction is anticipated to begin early next year, with the campus expected to open towards the end of 2026. Bouygues UK has been appointed as the main contractor for this landmark development.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has granted planning consent, moving the project one step closer to realisation.
The college’s existing campus on Colcot Road will be sold to assist in financing the new site, contributing around 19% towards the project’s total cost.
Employment and Economic Impact
This development is part of an indicative overall £100m expansion by Cardiff and Vale College, aimed at enhancing employment-focused education. The college, which boasts annual revenues of £120m, is the third largest further education provider in the UK.
Beyond the Barry campus, plans include a new 130,000 sq ft facility near Cardiff Airport, concentrating on advanced technology training.
Community and Regeneration
The new campus is set to be a landmark development for Barry, contributing to the town’s regeneration by repurposing a vacant brownfield site.
Once completed, the campus will provide modern, state-of-the-art educational facilities, thereby significantly enhancing vocational training opportunities for the local population.
Lis Burnett, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, expressed pride in the ongoing public sector collaboration, highlighting the project’s potential as a driver for local regeneration and placemaking.
Sustainability Goals
The design of the campus focuses on sustainability, featuring a net zero framework that aligns with broader environmental goals. The building will incorporate energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials, setting a precedent for future educational infrastructures.
This commitment to sustainability extends to community engagement, where students and local residents will partake in maintaining the green spaces and public art within the campus.
Leadership Perspective
Mike James, Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale College, affirmed the institution’s dedication to providing first-class learning environments. He emphasized the cooperation with the Welsh Government, Vale of Glamorgan Council, and Welsh Education Partnership Company in ensuring the project’s success.
James stated, “We are delivering on our commitment to provide first-class teaching and learning environments for learners and the community in the Vale of Glamorgan.”
The approval of the £35m waterfront campus in Barry signals a significant investment in education and community development. With an emphasis on sustainability and modern facilities, this project is poised to become a cornerstone of the local educational infrastructure.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, it promises to provide enhanced learning opportunities and contribute to the area’s regeneration.
