Ebbw Vale Learning Zone, Coleg Gwent

New 13,000m2 campus for Coleg Gwent

Regenerated steelworks site provides learning opportunities in South Wales

The Ebbw Vale Learning Zone is a new FE campus of approximately 13,000sq m for Coleg Gwent that opened in September 2012. The Learning Zone is part of a wider regeneration project on a former Steelworks site in an economically deprived area in the South Wales valleys.

The Learning Zone was constructed by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and is now occupied by the College on a long lease. Keystone Projects supported this project from the feasibility stages, through business case submissions, design briefing and construction. As well as monitoring the final stages of design and construction we managed the procurement of FF&E and the occupation strategy. The building is entirely designed to the College’s brief and in that respect our role as tenant’s representative has encompassed many of the functions of Project Manager.

Green design in the heart of the Valleys

This highly environmentally friendly campus was awarded a rare BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, and includes an extensive green roof and gardens, as well as heating and electricity supplied from a district heating CHP Energy Centre.

The college facilities include provision for teaching construction-related subjects, hair and beauty courses, science, creative arts, business and media studies. The advanced ICT technology design takes into account future conversion to thin client technology, raised access floors, full Wifi, VOIP telephony, digital signage, enhanced IT/video conferencing rooms.

Our services:

  •  Lead adviser to the College throughout
  • Advised the college on the property and construction contract negotiations
  •  Space planning and design development of internal spaces
  • Monitoring of design and construction on behalf of the college
  • Development of equipment schedules
  • Procurement support in relation to furniture and equipment
  • Occupation strategy

Our role:

Among other activities, we:

  •  Supported the college in the complex legal negotiations with Blaenau Gwent CBC in relation to the lease by the college of the completed building and the construction documentation
  • Assisted in the liaison on design development with other stakeholders / occupiers of the building including the University of Wales Newport
  • Developed the space model for the building and co-ordinated the design development of the teaching and other spaces including development of schedules of equipment required
  • Developed the Travel Plan for the development
  • Reviewed the detailed design proposals and monitored construction on behalf of the college

  • “Keystone Projects have been an integral part of our estates strategy development and implementation since 2005. Over many years they have provided a consistently high quality of service and reporting yet they are very flexible and responsive, enabling us to meet some very tight deadlines. It is very reassuring to know that Keystone is on hand to support us when required and that they know and integrate with our organisation seamlessly.”
    Robert Bates, Director (Estates and Development), Coleg Gwent

If you think we can be of assistance, call us on 0117 952 3095,or email mail@keystone-projects.co.uk.

Case Studies

Testimonials

  • "Keystone Projects have been an integral part of our estates strategy development and implementation since 2005. Over many years they have provided a consistently high quality of service and reporting yet they are very flexible and responsive, enabling us to meet some very tight deadlines. It is very reassuring to know that Keystone is on hand to support us when required and that they know and integrate with our organisation seamlessly."
    Robert Bates, Director (Estates and Development), Coleg Gwent
  • "Keystone Projects Ltd have worked with the college for over 10 years and have provided outstanding support for a number of significant projects which has included high level strategic planning, site acquisition, space planning, bid writing support and project management. They are a professional team with a range of expertise and have an excellent knowledge and understanding of property and accommodation but most importantly understand the FE Sector."
    Laurence Frewin, Vice Principal, South Devon College
  • "Keystone always provides work to the highest professional standard and is a true partner in our projects."
    Alex Anderson, Head of Estates Development and Facilities, Coleg Gwent