University of Glamorgan Announces £28m for Cardiff Expansion and Treforest Enhancement

CARDIFF, Wales, March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The University of Glamorgan in South Wales has announced a £28m investment in its campuses in Cardiff and Treforest as part of plans to add a further 2,500 students. 

The investment programme will see a £15m campus expansion in Cardiff and an enhancement programme worth £13m for student facilities in Treforest.  This announcement comes as Glamorgan, one of the two largest universities in Wales, has experienced a 43% rise in applications over the last four years.  It builds on a £130m programme of investment in facilities across the University of Glamorgan Group, which includes the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and Merthyr Tydfil College.

Speaking at a University event in Cardiff, Vice-Chancellor Julie Lydon said: "All universities are in a tough market, but Glamorgan is confident and financially robust, with rising applications and rated top in Wales for the success of our students going into jobs or further study after graduating.  Our bold decision to expand our campuses in Cardiff and invest further in the valleys reflects our confidence that we are the university of choice for both students and the business community."

The expanded ATRiuM 2 campus will cater to growing demand from Cardiff's business community, for example the creative and cultural industries' increasing need for graduates in broadcasting, animation, and the performing arts.  It will also reflect the growing needs of the Financial and Professional Services sector in the city's enterprise zone. 

Julie Lydon continued, "We already have more than 5,700 Glamorgan students in the city, studying the University and at our Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.  They come from all backgrounds and many countries. They're attracted to the quality of the teaching and facilities, whether at the new concert hall or the state of the art TV studios in the ATRiuM. 

"Today's announcement is a mark of our determination to be the university that bridges our cities and valleys in South East Wales, providing students with the very best facilities, whatever their background."

Notes to editors

• Glamorgan's £15m expansion of its ATRiuM campus on Adam St will add up to 1200 students to its existing presence in the city. 
  
• The University intends to open ATRiuM 2 to its first students in September 2014.
  
• The £13m investment in student facilities in Treforest will provide new lecture theatres, building facilities, and scientific laboratories. 

Contact: Alex Harden, +44-1443-483362