New £15million Swansea university campus could have its own pier
AMBITIOUS plans to build Britain's first university on a pier could make Swansea one of the leading destinations for new students, a higher education body has said.
Uni chiefs are mulling over a £15 million project to create an "innovation campus" on the beachfront near Fabian Way.
The project — dubbed "The Bay" — would see the engineering, medicine and computer sciences departments move to the city's Eastside.
Reaction among existing students is said to be mixed.
However, Universities UK said having a unique selling point, such as pier, could prove a real draw for prospective students.
Spokesman Gareth Morgan said: "There's a lot of competition among universities for students.
"Having an innovative campus or unique buildings is no doubt a good selling point for any institution.
"I'm sure it could be a factor when people decide which university they want to go to — especially if they are 50-50 between one or the other."
Officials at Swansea University are said to be keen for more "living space" after year-on-year increases in admissions made its Singleton Park campus somewhat cramped.
The Post understands the Eastside expansion would be sited on a 100-acre site owned by BP at Jersey Marine. Around three-quarters would fall under the borough of Neath Port Talbot, with the rest based across the boundary in Swansea.
It is believed the proposals include plans for 4,000 students to be housed on the beachfront site.
One option being considered to maximise land usage is to build a pier, which would be the first of its kind in Europe.
Students' Union president James Houston said the scheme had created a lot of debate among staff and students.
"A lot of them would like to know how the university could sustain such a plan because of the current economic climate," he added.
"But from what I gather, it is more of a long-term plan."
Mr Houston added concerns had been expressed about moving parts of the university from its existing base in the west of Swansea.
"Most of these are about the issue of transport, especially seeing as it would be at the other end of the city from where most of the students live," he added.
First-year student David Long was among those questioning the location of a second campus.
He said: "It's a fair walk to Fabian Way from anywhere. I walk to university at the moment and it saves me a lot of money.
"I don't know what I'd do if I had to pay for buses every day." Others said they wondered whether the new site would see the university becoming fragmented.
Third-year Natasha Farrell added: "I lived in the student village in my first year, and I loved it. It gives a real sense of a community. Students won't have that if they are split between two campuses."
A university spokeswoman said current projections indicated the institution would double in size by 2025.
She added: "Swansea University has been evaluating a number of opportunities to improve and expand its 46-acre site at Singleton.
"Following a review by consultants, it has been decided, in principle, to develop a second campus.
"The current intention is for this to be an open-innovation environment involving commercial research and development alongside traditional university activities.
"Plans are at an early stage and a firm decision is unlikely for several months. Speculation that a campus on this site could be occupied by 2010 is clearly unrealistic."
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by Nubbo, Swansea
Friday, November 28 2008, 5:26PM
“A new tram system would suffice!”
by Mattye Heritage, Studnet at Swansea University
Thursday, November 27 2008, 4:59PM
“I think the university having a second campus would be a great idea. I am now in my 4th year at Swansea and even in my little time here I have seen the university change dramaticly. It is so mucgh more of a conjested place this day, to walking round university to the night life, even finding space in the University library is becoming a problem so having more space is a great idea!
Even though I say this transport issues will need to be worked out. Even now trying to get in and out of the City Center to junction 42 of the M4 is a bit of a problem without all of the new traffic the new campus would provide. This road really needs to be sorted out, even with a third lane of with flyovers or new bridges like what has been stated by someone before.
Also there would need to be some sort of transport link between the two campuses and the town, maybe a bus line between this or maybe some other kind of transport links!
Another thing that would need considering would be the fact that there is not many rented accomodation for students around this proposed area, like there is around the Singleton Campus. I currenet live in a house in Brynmill which is an idea location for a student to live in. I live close to the University, close to town and everything that I want is near by. I do disagree with some people's views on Students distroying the Brynmill and uplands areas. I think without the students most of the pubs, chip shops, and corner shops would go out of business without student input. In sketty, because of how much money students have been spending a Tesco has opened and most of the formally closed shops have new lives being turned into hair dressers.... which are also very useful for the locals. To be honest, in my personal experience, I have always had more problems in Swansea over Christmas and Easter while the stuidents are not around. With the parking issue, there are plenty of permit parkings spaces around for the local people so i dont know what they are complaining about.
Overall I think a second campus would be a great idea but Swansea County council needs to make sure the transport and area can support it!”
by James Sheridan, Swansea
Thursday, November 27 2008, 12:01PM
“In response to Nick from Swansea, he has himself failed to understand the mini tongue-in-cheek arguements from my comments! By part moving to another site, then Swansea Uni can create space on its main campus for more degree courses or students.
My 'awash' comment was in relation to the proposed Pier development, which surprise, surprise, Nick, would I reasonably believe, would mostly located in the sea!
It clearly states in paragraph 4 of the above article, "Reaction among existing students is said to be mixed". Hence my comments related back to (Pier) Peers! Hope the 'dynamo' has explained his rationale!
Given the size of Swansea Uni, it would me more of an economic loss to the city than Swansea Met, if it were to move lock, stock and barrell to another site outside the City boundaries. As Singleton Park is 'owned' by the Council, the Uni couldn't move there unless a) they bought a site there and b) if they had Planning Permission (including for a change of use!).
Seems as though, someone has Nicked Nick's sense of humour!
Jim Sheridan”
by margaret halmkan, brynmill
Wednesday, November 26 2008, 8:42PM
“I agree with Jeff Thomas 26.11.08, only enrol ones that can be accomodated on campus, then we can have Brynmill student free,no more slummy houses and room to park outside your own property”
by Nick, swansea
Wednesday, November 26 2008, 4:36PM
“Fantastic comments from the dynamo himself Jim Sheridan completely misunderstanding the argument as usual.
People need to get real Swansea University and to a lesser extent the Met bring an economic driving force to the city which would be a devastaing loss to everyone in the city if it was lost.
For those who say the Uni should curtail the numbers to those based on campus perhaps they would prefer an expansion into Singleton park?
Expansion is a fantastic thing for the city East and West and something we should all welcome.”