Swansea University campus start closer as D-day looms over deal
WORK could start early next year on Swansea University’s new campus in Fabian Way after the long-awaited project reached an important milestone.
The partners behind the proposals were yesterday given the go-ahead to proceed to the final stage of negotiations.
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An artist’s impression of the project
These are expected to reach a conclusion this autumn.
The decision by the Council, the university’s governing body, has been hailed as a significant step forward.
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Outline plans for the new Science and Innovation Campus were approved by Neath Port Talbot Council in June.
A university spokeswoman said: “The Council has agreed that the university will now move into the final stages of procurement on the project with the remaining bidder St Modwen with its construction partner Vinci, and expects to receive a detailed offer by the autumn of this year.
“If negotiations are concluded successfully it is expected that following the grant of detailed planning consent, work will commence on site in early 2013 and the new campus and new student residences will be occupied by autumn, 2015.”
The university says the Swansea Bay Science and Innovation Campus would play a crucial role in building Wales’s knowledge economy, establishing the region as a vibrant location for high technology.
It would also help the university realise its ambition of becoming a world leader in research and innovation, and act as a major economic regeneration driver in the South West Wales region.
The campus is said to have the potential to create thousands of jobs and pump almost £38 million a year into the local economy.
Swansea University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Richard B Davies said: “The Council decision represents a significant step in the progression of this ambitious project, allowing us to enter into the final stage of procurement.
“The proposed development would enable the university to break out of its space constraints, allowing room to accelerate our growth strategy, capitalising on our research and development expertise and long-standing partnerships with major multinational companies. The project includes major redevelop- ment of our existing campus.
“The two campuses will become a catalyst for the growth of high-tech clusters for the digital economy, life sciences, and advanced engineering –making a major contribution to the economic regeneration of the region and beyond.”
paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk
Comments
by Neathboy234
Friday, July 27 2012, 4:09PM
“Great news. Lets hope by then the restrictions on overseas students will be relaxed and we can once again attract the best the world has to offer. The new labour government of 2015 will no doubt make this a priority”
by Hadoken454
Friday, July 27 2012, 3:54PM
“Those graphics look bad.”
by Philosoraptor
Friday, July 27 2012, 11:23AM
“Great news. The plans look ambitious but there is a lot of wasted space in the concept, I like greenery as much as anybody else but look at all that space that could be used for businesses. I suppose I shouldn't complain though because the University did help with the Life Sciences department already in the Swansea Bay region. I would like to be an optimist and say this will help spur more developments.”