A new Cardiff and Vale College building with robotics labs is set to be constructed near Cardiff Airport, as reported by Wales Online. The new facility will also feature 3D printers, autonomous drones, and a ‘green skills house’ to provide training on the installation of renewable technology.
The Cardiff and Vale College development in Rhoose is part of a larger plan to replace the current Colcot Road site in Barry and build a new campus on land south of Hood Road. Once completed, the Rhoose site will cater to 1,896 students and 215 staff members. The proposed facilities are described as state-of-the-art, offering cutting-edge technology such as robotics labs, 3D printers, and virtual reality tools for skills development.
Mark Roberts, the project director for the Vale campus, stated that the advanced technology centre will provide a modern learning environment, unlike traditional workshops. The building will also offer part-time and higher education courses in collaboration with local universities. Concerns were raised about public transport access to the site during a Vale of Glamorgan Council meeting, with councillors emphasising the importance of effective transport options beyond car travel.
The college site will have around 290 car parking spaces, including electric vehicle charging spots, as well as ample cycle parking. Bus services, such as the 304 First Bus service and the 905 Adventure Travel service, are expected to provide transportation to the new campus. Despite some concerns regarding public transport availability, the council remains optimistic about the project’s success.
Cardiff and Vale College Group chief executive, Mike James, expressed his delight at the approval for the construction, highlighting the institution’s commitment to offering top-quality education and training. The new Advanced Technology Centre aims to meet the needs of employers in the region and provide a modern learning environment for students. The project is a result of collaboration between the Welsh Government, Vale of Glamorgan Council, and Welsh Education Partnership Company, ensuring its success.
The new Cardiff and Vale College building represents a significant investment in education and technological advancements in the region, promising to deliver modern facilities and training opportunities for the community and learners in Vale of Glamorgan. The focus on advanced technology and green skills underscores the importance of preparing students for the evolving workforce and promoting sustainability in education.