Construction and property company Kier has opened an office in Swansea to support growth in South Wales.

Kier’s new base at Technium 2 will complement the group’s regional hub in Cardiff and create seven new jobs to be filled by people who live in the Swansea area.

The firm is working with Beyond Bricks and Mortar – a Swansea Council-led initiative that aims to make sure young people and those economically inactive are given chances for sustainable employment and training – during the recruitment process.

The group has also taken on two recruits from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), who will work in job placements that complement their degrees.

Kier has completed a series of high-profile schemes in the area, including the first phase of the new, multimillion-pound Swansea Innovation Quarter for UWTSD.

Other schemes include the Neath car park regeneration project for Neath Port Talbot Council, and construction projects with Coastal Housing, Swansea University and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board.

Operations Director for Kier Construction Wales, Jason Taylor, commented: “It’s an exciting time for Swansea, with key developments in and around the city changing the urban environment and perception of the city. As Swansea becomes a vibrant hub of commerce and culture, it’s an ideal location for our new office.

“The wider West Wales market presents a significant growth opportunity for us, and our new office underlines our commitment to our clients, our suppliers and subcontractors and the wider business community in the area.”

Kier has also submitted plans on behalf of the Mersey Care NHS Trust for a new medium secure hospital to the north west of Liverpool.

The new hospital, on Villas Road, will be constructed on land in between Ashworth hospital and HMP Kennnet in Maghull.

It will replace the existing Scott Clinic in St Helens, which has been deemed no longer fit for purpose.