Building Wales’ First Net Zero College: A Flagship for Skills, Sustainability & Community

WEPCo is proud to be working partnering with Bouygues UK and Robertson Facilities Management to deliver the largest project yet under the Welsh Government’s Mutual Investment Model (MIM) programme: the development of Cardiff and Vale College’s Barry Waterfront Campus and Advanced Technology Centre.
These two landmark sites, delivered as a single project, mark a significant milestone for further education in Wales by being the first Net Zero Carbon in-operation Further Education campus in the country, setting a bold precedent for sustainable infrastructure in education.

More Than a Campus

The Barry Waterfront Campus is set to become a vibrant hub for up to 900 learners, offering cutting-edge facilities designed to inspire and empower the next generation of learners. Designed to address key regional skills needs by offering public-facing community-focused facilities, such as a bistro restaurant and hair and beauty therapy salon, the campus will seamlessly integrate academic learning with real-world, hands-on experience.

Providing this type of learning environment aims to enrich the learning environment, opening opportunities for students to engage directly with the public while developing practical, job-ready skills.

Video content provided by Bouygues UK and used with permission.

Offering World-Class Learning Spaces

Meanwhile, the Advanced Technology Centre, based at Cardiff Airport, will accommodate and support close to 2,000 learners in employer-focused provision.
The state-of-the-art facilities available will include:

  • An advanced composites manufacturing facility
  • Top of the range labs for robotics and mechatronics
  • A dedicated “green skills house”
  • Higher Education centre and lecture theatre
  • Vocational workshops covering the built environment, motor vehicles (electric and hydrogen), and next-gen facilities for AI
  • 3D metal printers and autonomous drones.

WEPCo Chief Executive, Christian Stanbury, said:

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We’re delighted to have reached such an important milestone in the development of this landmark College project. Having worked alongside Cardiff and Vale College for several years we understand the difference this will make to future generations of learners and the whole College community. The outstanding quality & net zero carbon credentials will enable the College to deliver critical skills & educational needs in the region. This achievement reflects true partnership in action and will be a relationship we retain for years to come. close quote marks in red

Alongside Bouygues UK & Robertson Facilities Management, we’re committed to delivering wide-reaching social value benefits including apprenticeships and upskilling, supporting local supply chains and promoting STEM careers for future generations.

Work has already begun! We’ve seen construction activity ramping up, the sites have now been cleared, secured and work is mobilising across all project areas. We’ll be sharing updates of the project via LinkedIn so make sure you follow us.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our many partners whose expertise and support have made this flagship project possible.