Major Investment in Education to Transform Newport’s City Centre

Coleg Gwent is moving forward with a landmark £105 million investment that will transform further education in Newport and create a vibrant new city centre campus.

Delivered in partnership with Welsh Government and Newport City Council, the project will create a new modern, accessible campus designed to meet the needs of learners across the city.

Welsh Government is supporting the development, contributing more than 80% towards project costs. This month sees the project reach an important milestone as it enters the second major phase of development. This phase will mark the beginning of a significant investment in further education for Newport with detailed design work, detailed planning and preparation for construction.

Dan Coles, Vice Principal – Partnerships and Learner Journey, said:

“Welsh Government’s approval of our business case is a significant milestone for the project. It enables us to move into the final 12‑month phase of detailed design and planning ahead of next year’s sign‑off. This is an ambitious development with real potential for Newport, and I’m looking forward to driving it through the next stage.”

Situated on the former Newport Centre site, secured with the support of the council as part of wider regeneration plans, the new campus will bring up to 2,000 learners and staff into the city centre every day. This increased footfall is expected to boost local businesses, strengthen the city’s economy, and create a more connected hub for skills and learning.

Dimitri Batrouni, Leader of Newport Council, said:

“This will be a brilliant investment, not only in the city centre and Newport but in the future of our young people by providing first-class, modern facilities in an accessible location. This is a large-scale and impressive development and I’m pleased that it is continuing to make such good progress.”

The location also improves access for communities across Newport, with excellent transport links and sustainable travel routes. Colocation with the University of South Wales will help raise aspirations, create a unified Knowledge Quarter, and strengthen progression routes into work and higher education.

Jayne Bryant MS for Newport West, said:

“This is very welcome progress. The support from Welsh Government means we’re one step closer to a state-of-the-art educational hub in the heart of our city. Fantastic news for Coleg Gwent and young people, the new campus would also be a real boost for local businesses and our economy.”

Work is expected to begin in summer 2027.