A Bay of plenty?

SWANSEA University is achieving more than its fair share of firsts — and not just academically speaking. Hot on the heels of the Technium centres, the Institute of Life Science and the introduction of a full-blown medical degree, it is hoping to go one step further and become not just the university by the beach, but the university on the beach.

Its latest project is as ambitious as they come — a £15 million beachfront innovation campus, incorporating engineering, medicine and computer sciences. If it goes ahead — and of course given today's economic climate that's a big if — students, lecturers and visitors will be impressed by the location alone. Outsiders will be drawn to Swansea and local talent will be encouraged to stay.

Of course there will be critics. What ambitious project hasn't had its detractors? But what should not be criticised is the forward-thinking here.

If The Bay does manage to cross the many hurdles it will certainly face, it will be something for everyone in South West Wales to be proud of.