A £65m advanced technology center at Cardiff Airport has been approved, marking a significant step in educational development.
- This project is one of two new campuses under a £100m investment plan by Cardiff and Vale College.
- The campus promises to accommodate around 2,000 learners and over 100 staff, setting a benchmark for net-zero infrastructure.
- Courses will cater to advanced technologies and green skills, aiming to meet the skills requirements of modern industries.
- Welsh Government plays a pivotal role in funding, utilizing the MIM model for the first time in a college project.
A new beacon of educational innovation is set to rise at Cardiff Airport with the approval of a £65m advanced technology center. This development, sanctioned by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, is part of a £100m expansion by Cardiff and Vale College, which also includes plans for another campus. Strategically positioned alongside the existing International Centre for Aerospace Training, this 130,000 square foot establishment aims to elevate the region’s educational offerings.
With the capacity to host around 2,000 learners and over 100 staff, this state-of-the-art campus will be a significant contributor to the local economy. Subject to the Welsh Government’s approval of Cardiff and Vale College’s full business case, construction is expected to begin next year with doors opening in 2020. This project will provide full-time courses that open pathways into high-demand industries, along with apprenticeships and part-time programs designed for workforce upskilling.
The focus on advanced technologies and green skills reflects a proactive approach to economic development and sustainability. Courses will address the needs of both emerging renewable technologies and the retrofit skills necessary for achieving net-zero carbon objectives. Additionally, the campus will offer higher education courses, developed in collaboration with university partners, underscoring the institution’s commitment to comprehensive educational provision.
Earlier, Cardiff and Vale College secured planning consent for a £35m net-zero campus on Barry Waterfront, which will replace an older site. This 60,000 square foot facility is set to serve up to 1,000 students and commence operations by the end of 2026. The financial underpinning of these projects involves the Welsh Government’s mutual investment model, with construction costs to be repaid over 25 years. Cardiff and Vale College contributes roughly 19% to the overall funding, marking the first use of MIM in a college venture.
Cardiff and Vale College’s CEO, Mike James, expressed enthusiasm for the progression of these transformative educational facilities, lauding the council’s approval as pivotal for the region’s future. Council leader Lis Burnett echoed these sentiments, highlighting the center’s potential to establish the Vale of Glamorgan as a hub for international excellence, particularly in the aerospace sector.
The new campus at Cardiff Airport signifies a forward-thinking stride in education, with lasting benefits for the region’s economy and workforce.
