“A landmark city centre building has been purchased by Cardiff and Vale College, expanding its presence in the capital.

The “large and highly recognisable” properly, immediately opposite the rear of Cardiff Central Train Station, was formerly the home of Lloyds Banking Group plc for more than a decade.

The new purchase is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the college’s existing city centre campus main building which opened in 2015.

It provides a significant investment to enhance CAVC’s city centre facilities and a sustainable opportunity for growth.

Now, planning for the development of the 139,000 sq ft site begins, with the aim of providing high-quality, industry-focused teaching facilities across multiple sectors to support economic development in the Cardiff Capital Region, alongside strong net zero carbon benefits.

Subject to funding approval, the development will be brought forward through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

Expansion of Cardiff and Vale College

Currently, CAVC’s city centre campus includes the flagship main building, along with a series of other facilities along Dumballs Road. This includes dedicated centres of training for the Automotive, Construction and Building Services industries; a community sports facility at Canal Park plus a large base in One Canal Parade, and the Arts Academy on neighbouring Trade Street.

The purchase coincides with CAVC’s £119m investment in new campuses in the Vale of Glamorgan both due to open in September 2027.

This includes community-focused college Barry Waterfront Campus, and an innovative Advanced Technology Centre by Cardiff Airport, focused on meeting the skills needs of employers, apprentices and those working in advanced technologies and supporting Wales’ Net Zero transition.

Cardiff and Vale College Group chief executive Mike James said: “We are delighted to have secured this landmark building. Over the last decade this area has proved a popular, vibrant and accessible location for the community and employers across our region.

“The prime location and scale of this site provides incredible potential to further support us to improve the quality and sustainability of our estate in a cost-effective way and grow the offer high quality teaching and learning we offer.”

Source: https://www.insidermedia.com/news/wales/large-and-highly-recognisable-cardiff-city-centre-building-acquired-by-college