Plans for a £50m new learning campus in the centre Bridgend have been revealed. Bridgend College has submitted a planning application for the 131,000 sq ft project, on the site of a former police station and multi-storey car park, to Bridgend County Council.
The new campus, which would accommodate more than 850 post-16 students, would provide two connecting zero buildings with a 200-seat auditorium, a coffee shop and flexible meeting spaces. The college would relocate from its existing campus on Cowbridge Road.
Designed by Cardiff-based Rio Architects, the campus forms a key part of the college’s five year strategic plan following the completion of its STEAM Academy in Pencoed. The campus is also being as a catalyst for the wider generation of the town centre and creating much needed economy boost new footfall.
Subject to planning consent work is expected is start on the new campus next year and be completed in time for the start of the 2025 academic year.
Rio is working as part of a team on the project that includes Capita, Aecom, Asbri Planning and Soltys Brewster. If approved the campus would be part funded by the Welsh Government. Its two connecting buildings would be on Brackla Street and Cheapside Road.
Principal and chief executive of Bridgend College, which was formed in 1923, Simon Pirotte said: !I am incredibly proud of the sustained journey of success the college has been on. These plans represent the strong intent we have, along with key partners, in delivering regeneration within Bridgend town centre. We are passionate and committed to the communities we serve and this project provides exciting opportunities for lifelong learning and education in Bridgend.
“Our strategic plan outlines our ambition to achieve 21st century facilities for our students, staff and the communities we serve, along with a continued reduction in our carbon emissions; I am incredibly proud that these plans will deliver on both of these commitments.
Director and architect with Rio Architects, Ffion Elin Lanchbury, said: "Following the success of STEAM Academy in Pencoed, we are delighted to be working with Bridgend College again to help realise their vision for a new net-zero carbon campus on this site in Bridgend town centre. As well as providing first-class teaching facilities for their evolving and growing curriculum, the campus will be an asset to the town centre, contributing to the economy and vitality of Bridgend.”
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