We are delighted to announce that Coleg y Cymoedd’s Aberdare Campus has been named ‘Development of the Year’ at Insider’s Wales Property Awards 2018.

Austin-Smith:Lord worked on this exciting project from inception to completion, initially in close collaboration with the College and their stakeholders, and latterly with the main contractor, Kier Construction. The timber and metal clad form responds to the context, including an historic old railway building refurbished as part of the project. The project achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating and featured as a CEW Exemplar Project.

The innovative design for the Aberdare campus had to overcome a series of challenges associated with the brownfield site, including flooding. The building is elevated above ground level so as to permit flood water to flow unimpeded across the site, with steel mesh panels offering a barrier to flood debris as well as security of the undercroft. A grand ramp leads up to the south facing main entrance, which give access into a dynamic three storey atrium space, around which all of the college facilities are arranged.

The College are delighted with the new building, and have already seen an increase in learner applications, and a greater level of student retention.

Congratulations to the whole team. The project is an excellent example of how collaborative working and innovation can deliver outstanding results.