Gower College Swansea has announced a major investment in construction, the built environment and renewable technology education and training.
The College is delighted to confirm that it has completed the purchase of a dedicated building, which will be transformed into a modern new campus for its built environment and renewable technology courses.
The building, the former M&P in Garngoch, will become a purpose-built facility ideal for equipping the next generation of skilled professionals with the expertise to meet the needs of our region. Subject to planning and grant approvals, the new campus will open its doors to learners in late 2028.
“This is a significant milestone for Gower College Swansea, for our learners and for the communities we serve,” says Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Fountain. “This is more than just a new building - it’s a bold commitment to the industries that are shaping our future.
“Built environment and renewable technology are among the fastest-growing sectors in Wales and beyond, sitting at the very heart of our national ambitions around infrastructure, sustainability and net zero.
“By investing in top class facilities, we can ensure that our learners are trained to the highest standard, are industry-ready and positioned to make a real and lasting contribution to the regional economy.
“This is testament to the strength of the College’s vision and the vital role this Centre will play in the wider skills and economic landscape of Wales.”
The College received planning permission in November 2025 to convert the existing building from a warehouse to an educational facility and work has already begun on the design and planning of the new campus, marking an exciting step forward in bringing this vision to life.
The campus will feature brand-new welding bays, significantly expanding the College’s capacity to deliver high-quality, hands-on technical training in one of the most in-demand skilled trades.
The built environment provision will represent a major step forward in how the College prepares the next generation of construction professionals, creating a hub where industry and education work hand-in-hand. Learners will have access to industry-standard facilities and collaborative spaces in trade areas such as carpentry, brickwork, plastering, dry lining, tiling, plumbing, electrical, retrofit and renewable technologies.
Crucially, this provision is directly aligned with the emerging opportunities presented by the Celtic Freeport, one of the most significant economic developments in the region's recent history. As the Freeport begins to unlock major investment, job creation and supply chain growth across south Wales, College students will be among the best placed to seize those opportunities and contribute to that transformation.
The building will also house the College’s Energy Centre provision, a suite of brand-new commercial courses aligned with the fastest-growing sectors in the green economy. From hydrogen and solar to wind turbine technology, these programmes will position Gower College Swansea at the cutting edge of the energy transition, providing industry, business and individuals with the specialist skills needed to power the future.
“For our learners, this means access to exceptional, specialist environments that reflect the real-world settings they will work in, giving them the skills, confidence and qualifications to thrive in careers that genuinely matter,” adds Kelly.
“Beyond the training spaces themselves, the campus has been designed with the whole learner experience in mind. It will feature dedicated social spaces and breakout areas, creating an environment where learners can connect, recharge and thrive. Importantly, it will also provide Additional Learning Needs (ALN) support, ensuring that every learner, regardless of their individual needs, has equal access to the outstanding opportunities this facility will offer.”
The College is finalising its business case in readiness for submission to Welsh Government, which is a critical milestone in the development of the new campus. Once the final stage approval is secured, this will trigger a 65% Welsh Government intervention rate — a substantial funding commitment that underlines the national importance of this project and the confidence Welsh Government has placed in the College to deliver it.
This exciting development would see the College’s employer-led and professional qualifications provision relocate to one of the main campuses or suitable alternative premises, bringing it closer to the wider College community and the broader range of support and services on offer.