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Construction Commences on University’s New City Centre Campus

26/01/09

Construction workers and piling rigs have arrived onsite to begin the building phase of the new £35m City Centre Campus for the University of Wales, Newport. Construction company Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the contractor for the project and they have now begun the process of sinking 700 pre-cast concrete piles.

Construction work begins with 700 pre-cast concrete piles.

"At Newport Unlimited Urban Regeneration Company, we are proud to be driving one of the biggest regeneration programmes in the UK. The new university campus serving the region and beyond is a cornerstone of our regeneration programme and with construction now starting on site in this difficult economic climate we are showing the World that Newport is still pursuing vigorously and successfully its regeneration programme," said John Burrows Chief Executive of Newport Unlimited.

The University Campus is a cornerstone of the City of Newport regeneration master plan which includes over £2bn investment to 2020, over 100 projects, 2m ft² of office space, 1m ft² new and refurbished retail space, 1m ft² industrial space, 10,000 new homes planned and space for over 15,000 new jobs.

The University campus will be home to two academic schools with international reputations: the Newport Business School and the digital media, film and design elements of Newport School of Art, Media and Design.

 CGI of the new Riverside University Campus

The £35m campus, which will be the first phase of an intended £50m development for the University with partnership funding from Newport City Council, the Welsh Assembly Government and Newport Unlimited, will comprise film and sound studios, facilities for computer games design, forensic computing labs, state-of-the-art design studios, as well as lecture theatres, gallery and exhibition space, library information services, study spaces, seminar rooms, restaurant facilities, an academic 'hot-house'for research and a rooftop conference and boardroom.

Construction company Willmott Dixon created the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, which is another landmark on the banks of the River Usk in Newport. Overseeing the project is award-winning project director Kanji Kerai who recently won the title of Construction Manger of the Year at the Chartered Institute of Building Awards.

John Burrows said: "The new University campus is a stunning addition to our cultural left bank quarter and key to the regeneration of Newport City Centre river front. Newport has a University development that any city would be proud of. It is particularly exciting to have a building of such high quality in the City Centre that will help create a real buzz and lively atmosphere in this area."

Graham Rogers, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor added: "We are really pleased that construction work has begun on our exciting and innovative new City Centre Campus which we envisage as a hothouse of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial activity that will be an essential element of the city’s regeneration."

For further information on Newport regeneration contact Newport Unlimited on 01633 844 144 or info@newportunlimited.co.uk

 

Editors Notes

1. Newport Unlimited Urban Regeneration Company is a partnership between The Welsh Assembly Government and Newport City Council working with the private sector to regenerate and promote the City of Newport, South Wales, UK.

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