Big plans plans for Bridgend College could be on the horizon

Lewis Smith, local democracy reporter

Big development plans for Bridgend College could be on the horizon, including ambitions for a new 250-seat theatre and coffee shop.

Welsh company Asbri Planning Ltd has been commissioned by Bridgend College to start a pre-application consultation for the demolition of existing buildings and construction of a further and higher education facility in Cheapside, Bridgend.

The new 13,100 square metre development would include land at Bridgend Police Station and former Cheapside multi-storey car park, relocating the college’s current facilities based at its Cowbridge Road campus into two new buildings at Cheapside.

Simon Pirotte, principal and chief executive of Bridgend College, says he is very excited about the opportunity to create a new campus in the town centre.

“We are excited about the aspirational plans to create a vibrant new town centre campus in the heart of Bridgend,” said Simon.

“Our ambition is to create a net-zero carbon building, with twenty-first century learning and teaching facilities for post-16 education in Bridgend, with community benefits including a 250-seat theatre space, a coffee shop and flexible meeting spaces.

“These ambitious plans represent a £50 million investment into the town centre of Bridgend, enhancing the public realm and reducing our environmental impact, with plans to connect to the new Bridgend district heat system.

“This investment, part funded by the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges programme, will play a key role in the regeneration of Bridgend town centre, supporting local businesses and utilising public transport links into the town.”

Consultation

The proposal will now be subject to pre-application consultation before a formal submission to the Local Planning Authority can take place.

The modern campus would aim to provide a number of teaching and learning premises such as standard classrooms, IT suites, multi-purpose studios, catering kitchens, hair and beauty salons, dance studios, and performance areas.

There would also be proposals for a café, theatre and cycle storage at the site.