Swansea University appoints leading
UK regeneration company to build new campus
Swansea University has signed a development
agreement with St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist
to build the first phase of its new Science and Innovation
Campus.
The University’s expansion plans, which will
include the regeneration of the existing Singleton Park Campus as
well as the construction of the new campus, will create
world-leading research, innovation and education facilities in
Swansea.
Preparatory work is now underway at the site
of the new campus on Fabian Way, Swansea, following the conclusion
of an EU procurement process and the appointment of St. Modwen and
its selected contractor VINCI.
About 4,000 direct jobs will be created during
the construction phase, with a further 6,000 indirect jobs
supported in the wider economy as a result.
Swansea University’s Vice Chancellor,
Professor Richard B. Davies said:
“The new Science and Innovation Campus is a
transformational project for Wales and for the University. It
promises to become a global exemplar for how a research intensive
university can work effectively with industry, helping to drive
economic regeneration and creating exciting employment
opportunities for its graduates.
“The new facilities, world-leading research,
and well-qualified graduates will attract multi-national companies
and support the development of high-tech clusters in the
region.
“In addition, more than £3bn will be
contributed to the regional economy in the next ten years thanks to
the new campus, creating thousands of jobs and further enhancing
Swansea University’s reputation as a major institution for science
and technology research.
“The campus expansion will be particularly
advantageous to students. The closer collaborative working
between the University and industry will help ensure the most
relevant and up-to-date degree programmes and there will be unique
opportunities for students to acquire the skills and experience
valued by employers.”
Bill Oliver, Chief Executive, St.Modwen
said:
“The new campus will serve as a fantastic
catalyst for change in this part of South Wales and provide a huge
boost to the local and national Welsh economies. Coupled with our
ongoing regeneration of Coed Darcy, Baglan Bay and Glan Llyn at
Newport, the new campus plays a major part in the transformational
change that we are delivering in South
Wales.
“Over the next few years, we look forward to
working closely with the University on this important project, as
well as engaging with the local community and key
stakeholders.”
BP, previous landowners of the Fabian Way
site, said: “This agreement between Swansea University and St.
Modwen to create a world class science and innovation campus is
fantastic news for the sustainable regeneration of the Swansea Bay
region. BP is delighted to have played a pivotal role
throughout the process through its various contributions. We look
forward to witness the birth of a beautiful campus in the coming
months designed by some of the world’s leading architects and then
seeing the benefits of jobs and growth feeding back into the
local community.”
The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community
played a key part in the creation of the vision for the campus.
Through a series of workshops the Prince’s Foundation developed the
masterplan, and then worked with Porphyrios Associates and
Hopkins Architects to develop the design proposals for the
campus.
Prince’s Foundation Senior Design Director,
Ben Bolgar, said: “It’s great to see the vision behind Swansea
University Campus become a reality. Through our workshops and with
the help of our key partners we aimed to create a vision and
masterplan that reflected our belief in the importance of creating
a series of spaces that enhance the learning experience. We’re
excited to see Swansea University take this forward and can’t wait
to see the result.”