Work to start on Cardiff and Vale College’s £45 million campus (From Barry And District News)

Work to start on Cardiff and Vale College’s £45 million campus

11:10am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

CARDIFF and Vale College (CAVC) has announced that work on its new £45 million campus in the heart of Cardiff Bay will begin this summer.

Situated on Canal Parade, the development is being supported by the Welsh Government with a £20m grant for the build of the landmark new site.

Situated within the Financial Enterprise Zone, it is hoped it will provide an inspirational, world class learning facility.

The site will be developed by Rightacres Property Co who are responsible for some of the most iconic developments across the region.

The completion date for the state-of-the-art project is set for the summer 2015 with students due to start their courses that autumn.

The project is part of a proposed wider and extensive capital investment plan CAVC has to transform learning across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

It will bring together many of the college’s activities, close to bus and rail links, and feature a diverse range of facilities including a dedicated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) centre; a gymnasium; beauty salons; and conference facilities with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces.

The building, to be open seven days a week, is designed to encourage the community and general public in with open welcoming spaces.

A central mall will run through the core of the College, including an employment centre and a range of shops and services.

The distinctive wedge shape building will house a range of interior spaces connected to south-facing terraces with views towards Cardiff Bay.

The northernmost tip will feature a fine dining training restaurant that looks out across the city towards the Millennium Stadium, showcasing the city.

Architects BDP, who are providing architecture design, interior design and landscape architecture design on the project said the innovative build "will bring the best of the world to Wales".

The entire building is designed with a focus on sustainability.

The location is just five-minute’s walk from Cardiff central train and bus stations, providing excellent transport connections for individuals and businesses across the region and beyond.

While the new building will see some courses from other sites transferred to it, the College sees itself at the heart of the Cardiff and Vale communities and will continue to be based in and work across both Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, meeting the needs of learners and employers right across the Capital Region.

Minister for Education and Skills, Leighton Andrews said: “If we’re to prepare young people for employment or higher education then we need colleges that offer world class 21st century buildings and facilities.

“The £20 million that we are providing towards the cost of CAVC Canal Parade will help transform the delivery of further education and training across Cardiff and the Vale.

“When completed, this impressive new building will become a focal point for learners, employers and communities, helping to drive forward economic activity within the region."