Cardiff and Vale College

Overview

After a successful 2011 merger, Cardiff and Vale College required a ten-year Estate Strategy (2012–2022) responding to the evolving needs of learners, employers, Welsh Government priorities, and the College’s new strategic goals.

Laura led the Estate Strategy development with the College’s mission to create a first-class, modern, flexible estate in mind throughout. At the time, the college estate spanned 12 sites totaling 52,000 sq m GIA on 15 hectares, with only 40% used for teaching and 59% in poor condition (categories C/D).

At an early stage, Laura engaged with the Executive Team to explore how the new College Vision, Strategic Aims, and Curriculum Plan translated into future estate need. A cautious growth strategy was adopted, due to funding constraints. Laura facilitated workshops to discuss priority locations where a college presence was vital to support learner access to education. A Cardiff City Centre presence was identified as one priority, alongside peripheral sites.

Laura undertook value-for-money appraisals of different estate scenarios. The preferred estate re-alignment strategy proposed six core sites comprising a City Centre Campus, Cardiff International Sports Campus, Eastern Community Campus, and Barry Campus, with specialised centres for Aerospace, Automotive, Building Services, and Construction.

The Estate Strategy supported a funding bid for the College’s new £45 million City Centre landmark facility which opened in 2015. This is home to a wide range of specialist facilities including a 100 seat theatre, The Classroom restaurant, city salon and spa, and over 230 top class teaching spaces.