Following the announcement of a £20m investment by Welsh Government for a new state-of-the-art College Campus for Aberdare, the Council’s Planning Committee has agreed outline permission for these proposals.
Council Leader, Cllr Andrew Morgan, and Coleg Y Cymoedd Principal Judith Evans, visited the site to discuss the ambitious proposals for this key site in Aberdare.
County Borough Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “I am pleased to see this project is now moving forward at a pace and that outline planning has been approved, subject to further minor details being provided to the Council.
“The proposed £20m college will see a transformation in the quality of further education facilities in the Cynon Valley and I am extremely pleased that the proposal includes the possibility of the old Aberdare Station Holt being renovated and reused as a possible food venue for the college.
“While the location has excellent public transport links, with the train station next to the proposed college, and the bus station only a few hundred yards away, I am personally keen to see highway improvements in the area both for pedestrians and road users.
“Subject to full planning being agreed, work should start on the new facility by spring 2016.
The Council continues to work closely with Coleg Y Cymoedd to deliver the maximum benefits for Aberdare.
“This new campus will complement the new secondary school, which recently opened, ensuring the best educational opportunities for young people locally in Cynon Valley.
“The campus will also further enhance the significant investment made in Aberdare by the Council in terms of the town centre enhancement and the recently opened state of the art leisure centre.
“The new college for Aberdare has the potential to deliver another significant capital investment project now and in turn a major boost for our local economy longer term.â€
Principal of College y Cymoedd, Judith Evans said: “We are delighted that the Council is supporting us with our mission to ensure that students in the Cynon Valley have access to first class vocational training facilities.
“The new college campus will ensure that learners have a range of curriculum options that enable them to progress into employment or higher education.
“Coleg y Cymoedd has an excellent reputation for apprenticeship training, we are keen to ensure that learners in the Cynon Valley benefit from these opportunities.
“We are looking forward to opening the college to our first cohort of learners in September 2017.”
Don’t miss out on a place at the college, as courses fill up quickly. If you know what course you want to study you can apply online TODAY! However if you require advice in making your decision… visit one of our Advice days on our Aberdare, Nantgarw, Rhondda and Ystrad Mynach campuses –Thursday August 27th 10:00 – 7:00p.m./Friday August 28th 10:00 – 4:00p.m.
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Wellington Street
Aberdare
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF44 8EN