UWTSD’s new SA1 Swansea Waterfront development reaches the half way mark

New drone footage of the construction of The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s SA1 Swansea Waterfront phase one shows the remarkable progress made over the past 12 months.

Now at mid-point (week 50), the first phase, providing a home for the faculties of architecture, computing and engineering, education and communities, as well as a new library, will open in September 2018. The amazing footage has been captured by Pembrokeshire based Images at Altitude, and showcases the positive impact of the development on SA1.

A range of local sub-contractors have been employed to work on the waterfront development by Kier Construction, who have been appointed to oversee phase one of the development, including Swansea-based AB Glass who are providing the windows and glazing. To date £18million worth of contracts have been secured by Wales-based businesses.

Three other Welsh companies have also just been appointed to work on the £300million development.  Nautilus is the Academic Building roofing subcontractor, Reussir have secured a major contract for the brickwork and blockwork, and Certus have been appointed as the screeding subcontractor.

As part of the competitive procurement process for phase one of the development, Kier Construction has made a number of commitments to work with the University to ensure that the project generates wider economic benefits in the region during the construction phase of the development.  Such commitments include a pledge to support the economy through the use of local suppliers and sub-contractors, and the company has already undertaken successful ‘meet the buyer’ events to advertise opportunities.

This support also includes the commitment to the use of British steel in the design of the building frame. In addition, the company is providing a range of job opportunities, apprenticeships and work placements linked to the construction work.  Such opportunities are being provided for the University’s students across its campuses in Swansea, Lampeter and Carmarthen and particularly students of the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering who are gaining first hand-experience of a live construction project.  In addition, the company is keen to support community and civic projects linked to the development.

UWTSD SA1 Project Manager Mike Bessell said: “The scale of investment in the creation of new educational facilities is now clearly visible, and both current and future students will benefit from exemplar quality facilities, in an outstanding built and natural environment. To achieve this through utilising the skills and commitment from local businesses, who have secured major contracts through the project, is a major boost to the local economy, and contributes towards further enhancing employment opportunities for University graduates in the region”

Howard Monsen, Senior Project Manager, Kier Construction, said: “We’re pleased to be delivering the new UWTSD SA1 Waterfront Phase 1 Development, which will benefit from spectacular views of Mumbles, Swansea Bay at the heart of the city centre.

“We have worked closely with UWTSD to ensure we meet all of the university’s aspirations for this prestigious project. This positive collaboration, from early engagement and throughout, combined with our experience within the education sector, will enable delivery of an inspirational learning environment that will provide lasting community benefits and opportunities.”

Other developments planned for the site include an exciting box village initiative, which will covert shipping containers to provide flexible, affordable space for start-up companies. It will be enhanced through the City Deal and will further contribute to the other innovative schemes planned across Swansea.”

A September 8th deadline for businesses to submit bids to become a partner with the University for a joint venture at the 23-acre development site is also now fast-approaching. Eight acres of the site have been set aside for the creation of the new

academic development, with the remaining 15 acres earmarked for residential and commercial uses, with the possibility of incorporating the university’s tenanted commercial properties within the waterfront area.

The next phase of development of SA1 will create significant further benefits to the local economy, including opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.

Note to Editor

Full list of subcontractors working on SA1 Swansea Waterfront development

• Neath company Cuddy Group – groundworks subcontractor
• Swansea company Don Hayes –  concrete floor/frame subcontractor
• Swansea company ‘AB Glass’ are the curtain walling / external windows subcontractor
• Welsh company Nautilus – Academic Building roofing subcontractor
• Welsh company Reussir –  Brickwork subcontractor
• Welsh company Certus –  Screeding subcontractor
• Welsh company Morgans of Usk Ltd – steel frame subcontractor
• Welsh company Studwelders – metal decking subcontractor
• Welsh company Whitehead Building Services – Mechanical and Electrical Subcontractor
• Welsh company Richard Kemble Contracts Ltd – Steel Frame System Subcontractor and Partitions
• British company Green Piling Ltd – piling subcontractor
• British company Churngold – enabling works subcontractor
• British company Fast Fence – fencing subcontractor
• British company Otis – lift subcontractor

Further Information

Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer, Corporate Communications and PR

Tel: 01792 483695
Mobile: 07496 385597
Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk