Swansea University has welcomed the decision by Neath Port Talbot Council to grant detailed planning permission for its proposed pound 250m Science and Innovation Campus.
The University is currently in the final stages of an EU procurement process to build the new campus at a site on Fabian Way, in addition to the regeneration of the University’s Singleton Park Campus, to create world-leading research, innovation and education facilities in Swansea.
The detailed designs which have been approved by the Council build upon the previously approved outline planning application. If the procurement process is concluded successfully, work will begin on site early next year, with the first students arriving in 2015.
Swansea University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard B. Davies, said: “We are delighted to have obtained the green light from Neath Port Talbot Council and are most grateful for their support and positive engagement with this major project. In addition to enabling the University to build upon academic strengths, the new campus will be a driver for economic regeneration. The campus will be good for the University; good for Neath Port Talbot, and good for the whole region.
“This ambitious project will enable us to attract inward investment to Wales and promote the growth of high-technology clusters. It will establish the region as a vibrant location for modern, high technology companies, bringing even greater eventual impact.”
Professor Iwan Davies, the Project Director, said: ‘‘The new campus will deliver a next generation ‘Science Park’, co-locating University and industry researchers, students and academics – not only on the same site, but using the same laboratories and facilities. It is a global exemplar of embedding partnership in knowledge generation through joint research in an integrated enterprise. This will not only provide knowledge transfer but also ensures that the curriculum followed and skills developed by our students are leading edge and relevant to the future needs of businesses.’’
The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Councillor Ali Thomas, said: ‘‘This project will provide a considerable economic boost not just for Neath Port Talbot but for the wider region. It will support the growth of highly skilled jobs and knowledge-driven businesses and is an exciting and outstanding example of the major new developments which the Fabian Way Corridor is attracting. I look forward to watching it progress.’’
