Education Minister, Huw Lewis, has announced the Welsh Government’s support for Coleg y Cymoedd’s new £20million Aberdare town centre campus.
Speaking at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw Campus, he said that the Government has identified the scheme as a priority building project for its 21st Century Schools Programme and will be working with the college to develop a business case to allow it to access up to £11million towards the total project costs.
The new, state-of-the-art campus in the heart of Aberdare town centre is intended to replace its current facility at Cwmdare.
The new campus will be located off Wellington Road, close to Aberdare railway station.
The intention is to regenerate the currently derelict 2.7 acre site to serve up to 800 learners; incorporating industry-standard facilities to further enrich the education and skills training currently offered at the existing campus.
The site’s proximity to Aberdare railway station, the new Aberdare School and the town centre will provide learners and staff with significantly improved access to public transport and commuter links from outlying areas.
Judith Evans, Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “We are delighted that the Welsh Government has announced its commitment to support us in achieving our latest investment that will provide our learners with the very best facilities and development opportunities.
“The new campus will exemplify Coleg y Cymoedd’s mission to make excellence in education and skills development a reality for all learners in the communities we serve.
“The college is committed to working in partnership with the new campus’ neighbouring schools to develop a curriculum which complements and enhances their own offerings.
“On behalf of the entire college, I would like thank Welsh Government, our staff and governors for sharing in our vision to change the face of post-16 education in the South Wales Valleys.â€
The facility’s construction will incorporate the latest sustainable building materials and will provide an aspirational facility for both learners and staff.
Wellington Street
Aberdare
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF44 8EN