Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the opening stage of Coleg Gwent's Crosskeys Campus redevelopment in Newport, a scheme to modernise the estate and create a low-carbon learning environment.

Procured via the SEWSCAP framework, this phase comprises a new three-storey, 2,552 sq m teaching building alongside an Energy Centre, state-of-the-art catering facilities, business and IT learning spaces, and dedicated areas for exams, independent study and staff.

Backed by the Welsh Government's Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, the project is part of a wider masterplan to replace under-performing 1960s-era buildings with sustainable facilities aligned to government guidance. The Crosskeys Campus originally opened in the 1960s as a training hub for the mining industry.

The new teaching block is designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation and is targeting BREEAM Excellent.

A second phase, expected to commence in early 2028 subject to funding, will provide a new Block Z accommodating Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, and the ILS Café, together with further campus rationalisation works. It will follow the handover of Block Y in 2027 and the subsequent demolition of the existing B Block, with additional rationalisation planned as part of the funding application.

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Ian Jones, director at Willmott Dixon: "This project is about much more than construction, it's about creating opportunities and a sustainable future for the Crosskeys community. Working in close partnership with the team at Coleg Gwent, we're helping to bring forward a campus that will serve both today's learners and future generations.

"Crosskeys builds on our track record of delivering sustainable education facilities across Wales, including Bridgend College's new net zero in operation town centre campus and a Passivhaus primary school and community hub for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, both showing how modern learning environments can lead the way on carbon reduction."

Nicola Gamlin, principal of Coleg Gwent, added: "This redevelopment is about much more than just buildings, it's about creating opportunities for current and future learners across our communities. We are proud of the role that the Crosskeys Campus has played over generations, and these new facilities will ensure it continues to inspire and support students for many years to come. By investing in modern, sustainable spaces, we are helping learners to gain the skills, confidence and experiences they need to succeed in their future careers."

Willmott Dixon is working with architect Stride Treglown, continuing a partnership that includes a Passivhaus primary school and community hub in Glyn-coch, South Wales, also procured through SEWSCAP. The wider team comprises AtkinsRealis as project manager, structural engineer and M&E consultant, and Rider Levett Bucknall as quantity surveyor.

The contract strengthens Willmott Dixon's further and higher education portfolio, which includes Bridgend College's town centre campus and two significant schemes for Queen Mary University of London: the £48.8m School of Business and Management and the retrofit of its Information Teaching Laboratory.

Coleg Gwent is one of Wales' largest further education colleges, operating five campuses at Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone, City of Newport, Crosskeys, Torfaen Learning Zone and Usk. It offers vocational courses, apprenticeships, A-levels and higher education opportunities. Crosskeys provides A-levels, vocational qualifications and apprenticeships across subjects including performing arts, catering, beauty and manufacturing.