University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has appointed Kier Group Plc to deliver the initial phase of its new £300 million Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter in the city’s SA1 area.
The £26million contract to oversee the design and build of the first phase of UWTSD’s new waterfront development should also see the creation of 25 local jobs and 250 apprenticeships as Kier has collaborated with the University in its mission to ensure the community benefits from the scheme.
Kier will be responsible for managing the detailed and technical design of the University’s new buildings as well as handling the entire construction process.
Phase One of the Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter will comprise the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering as well as a new Library building, with an approximate area of 12,200 sq m together with external public spaces.
Kier will work closely with the University to begin construction on Phase One in Autumn 2016 to ensure the site is operational for the start of the academic year in 2018.
Jason Taylor, Kier Construction Operations Director for South Wales comments: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Early involvement helps us to develop a true understanding of the University’s aspirations and challenges. Using these learnings combined with our previous experience in delivering education projects, and together with our ‘partnering’ consultants, we will provide options which will maximise the opportunity and deliver a facility that staff and students are excited to attend.”
Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD, said: “Appointing a design and construction delivery partner for the Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter brings us a step closer to realising our ambitious plans for both the University and the City Region following the approval of our plans by the City and County of Swansea in November.
“We have been impressed by Kier’s proven track record and extensive experience in the education sector and we look forward to establishing a strong working partnership with them as well as with the other partner organisations involved in this major development for the region.”
As Principal Contractors on the project, Kier will be responsible for setting up a collaborative working approach with all other contractors, including Stride Treglown who continue to be involved in the design process. As a result, Kier will be based in SA1 for the duration of the build.