Bouygues UK has secured the contract to build two flagship education facilities for Cardiff & Vale College (CAVC): the Barry Waterfront Campus and the Advanced Technology Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The project, delivered under the Welsh government’s mutual investment model (MIM), is the largest to date under the programme. Developed by the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCo) and designed by Sheppard Robson Architects, with engineering support from Arup, the scheme aims to enhance education and skills training in the region.

WEPCo is a joint venture between the Development Bank of Wales and French investment firm Meridiam, established to support the development of educational infrastructure across Wales.

Construction is set to begin in June 2024, with completion expected in summer 2027. Once operational, the campuses will be maintained and managed for 25 years by Robertson FM.

The Barry Waterfront Campus will be built on a brownfield site in Barry’s Waterfront Innovation Quarter, accommodating 900 students across courses including art & design, hospitality, catering, and beauty therapy. A student-run restaurant and hair & beauty salon will be open to the public, providing hands-on training opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Advanced Technology Centre, to be built near Cardiff Airport, will cater to nearly 2,000 students and focus on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and net zero carbon technologies. The facility will also feature a business centre, composites manufacturing hub, and a ‘green skills house’ to support sustainability training.

Bouygues UK project director Peter Sharpe, who previously led the Pentre Awel health and business complex in Llanelli, said:
“Education projects are especially rewarding, knowing they will benefit young people for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming thousands of students into these state-of-the-art facilities in 2027.”

WEPCo chief executive Christian Stanbury added:
“We’re delighted to reach this milestone in delivering such a landmark college project. Having worked with Cardiff & Vale College for years, we understand the impact this will have on future generations of learners and the wider college community.”

This development marks a significant investment in the future of skills and education in Wales, equipping students with the knowledge and training needed for careers in emerging industries.

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