A brand new £4 million redevelopment project at Gower College Swansea has been officially opened by Eluned Morgan AM, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning.
The redevelopment, which has transformed the front of the Tycoch campus into a modern learning and social space, saw an investment of £1.5 million from the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education Programme.
The ground floor boasts a new reception area, common room and retail coffee shop as well as student-centred offices such as admissions, funding and careers guidance.
On the second floor is a bespoke Higher Education Centre specially designed for students on higher level courses - an area of continuous growth and development at the College. The mezzanine floor features six new classrooms, a library and common room area.
“I’m delighted with the redevelopment which will provide all our students with a fresh learning and social environment fit for the 21st century,” says Principal Mark Jones. “I would like to thank everyone involved - from our own Estates team to the contractors and the designers – who have worked so hard throughout every stage of this very ambitious project. I’m confident that visitors to the new building will be extremely impressed with the standard of design and finish. I would also like to thank all of our staff and students who have had to put up with the inevitable disruption which goes back to the fire that took place over 12 months ago.”
On the Higher Education Centre, Mark continues: “To improve GDP, Wales needs to create more higher paid jobs and, to help achieve this, the education sector needs to provide more flexible learning opportunities, particularly at Levels 4 and 5. This opportunity is tailor made for FE colleges such as us who have a strong vocational curriculum, strong progression rates from Level 3 and excellent relationships with employers and our HE partners. Our HE provision is growing all the time and it is important to support this growth with the development of specialist facilities.”
“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all students when I say how thoroughly delighted I am with the new facilities at the Tycoch campus,” says Student Governor Chloe Harries, who is currently studying towards HND Business and Accounting at the College. “The new space will enable students to learn within a more innovative working environment and has created a brilliant social space for learners to enjoy."
The Minister said: “It is a pleasure to be in Swansea today to officially open the newly refurbished Tycoch campus, and see first-hand how the Welsh Government’s investment is having a positive impact on education and learning in the area.
“This government’s national mission is to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence. Our 21st Century Schools and Education Programme plays a key part in this and is the largest investment in our schools and colleges since the 1960s.”
Photos: Adrian White