A new advanced technology centre worth £65 million is set to be constructed at Cardiff Airport, following planning approval from Vale of Glamorgan Council. This centre is part of a £100 million expansion plan by Cardiff and Vale College, with the facility spanning 130,000 square feet. The centre will be situated adjacent to the college’s existing International Centre for Aerospace Training at Cardiff Airport.
Expected to cater to around 2,000 learners and over 100 staff, this net-zero campus aims to address the skills gap in advanced technologies and green skills. Courses offered will focus on supporting economic development and meeting the needs of employers in emerging renewable technologies and skills required to achieve net-zero carbon targets. Upon Welsh Government approval of the college’s business case, construction is anticipated to commence next year.
The centre will provide full-time courses for students entering these industries, apprenticeships, and part-time courses for upskilling the existing workforce. Additionally, higher education programmes, including collaborations with university partners, will be available. This initiative aligns with efforts to enhance education and training opportunities in the region, contributing to economic growth.
In a separate development, Cardiff and Vale College recently obtained planning permission for a £35 million waterfront learning campus in Barry. This campus, covering 60,000 square feet and designed to be net-zero, will accommodate up to 1,000 students on both full-time and part-time courses. Construction is scheduled to commence early next year with an expected completion date towards the end of 2026, replacing the current campus on Colcot Road in Barry.
Funding for these projects will primarily come from the Welsh Government’s mutual investment model (MIM), with the college contributing around 19% of the costs. Notably, this marks the first time the Welsh Government has utilised MIM for a college project. Cardiff and Vale College’s Group chief executive, Mike James, expressed delight over the Vale of Glamorgan’s approval, emphasising the commitment to providing top-tier learning environments.
Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Lis Burnett, praised the initiative, highlighting the economic benefits and job opportunities it will bring to the region. The advanced technology centre at Cardiff Airport is expected to establish a hub of excellence, complementing the existing aerospace centre and further driving economic growth in the area. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders aim to ensure the success of these projects and meet the educational and skills needs of the community.