Welsh Government Ministers have kicked off construction work on Cardiff and Vale College's new flagship Canal Parade Campus in Cardiff Bay.

Finance Minister Jane Hutt and Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Ken Skates joined the College's Chair of Governors, Geraint Evans, and Principal Mike James at the site of the new £45m development.

The project is being supported by a £20m grant from the Welsh Government.

The initial work commenced in summer 2013 with a scheduled completion date of summer 2015.

Students will start their courses in the new building from autumn 2015.

The project is part of the College's wider and extensive Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan capital development programme.

Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) is one of the country's largest new colleges, with more than 20,000 students, 1,500 staff and 13 sites across the Capital Region.

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Minister Hutt said: "As a Government, our number one priority is to stimulate the Welsh economy and support job creation. Since publication of the Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan last year, the Welsh Government has already contributed new capital investment of around £1.3bn to the Welsh economy.

"By doing so, we are creating and protecting much needed jobs and boosting economic growth, but we are also tackling poverty by ensuring our investment is used to deliver the maximum benefits possible for the people of Wales.

"A key part of this plan is improving the quality of our schools and colleges. So I'm delighted we have been able to support this ambitious new development with a £20m investment."

CAVC Principal and Chief Executive Mike James added: "Our new city centre campus is just one part of the College's extensive ten-year development plan to create sector-leading learning environments throughout Cardiff and the Vale.

"The commitment for this brand new site to create a landmark building of stunning architectural quality highlights the positive effects of devolution on the Welsh Education sector and the Welsh Government's Transformation Agenda in particular.

"The College understands its pivotal role for individuals, communities, employers and the economy of the region. We look forward to continuing to progress our capital development programme expanding and upgrading facilities in Cardiff and the Vale."

(JP/IT)