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Kier to deliver Campus early works

21 December 2016

Innovation Campus (Architects' impression)
The University is building a £300m Innovation Campus

Kier has been confirmed as preferred bidder to deliver early works on Cardiff University’s Innovation Campus (CIC).

The company, a leading property, residential, construction and services group, will help deliver Cardiff’s £135m CIC project, which features two new buildings.

One will house SPARK, the world’s first social science research park, and the Innovation Centre – a creative space for start-ups, spin-outs and partnership working.

The other will be home to two leading scientific research establishments - the Institute for Compound Semiconductors and Cardiff Catalysis Institute.

Work is set to start on-site in early 2017 and is due to complete in 2018. The scheme also includes a bridge linking Cardiff Business School with CIC.

Aerial View Maindy Road
The Innovation Campus will bring researchers, students and businesses together

Kier has committed to supporting employment, training, and apprenticeship and development opportunities in the local area.

This includes local employment and skills development opportunities, subcontracting local SMEs, and providing opportunities for young people via apprenticeships.

Cardiff University students will be offered work placement opportunities, giving them first-hand experience of the different roles available within the construction industry.

Professor Hywel Thomas, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, said: “We are delighted to be working with Kier as preferred bidder on Cardiff Innovation Campus..."

"The two new buildings will be home to world-leading research centres with the power to not only unlock the economic potential of catalysis and Compound Semiconductors, but to harness the application of social science to solve pressing global problems. We are investing in people and places to build partnerships that create growth.”

Professor Hywel Thomas Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Engagement

Anthony Irving, managing director, Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “This contract brings together our national, sector-leading experience in the science and technology field and our local expertise, building on Kier’s strong presence in Cardiff and the wider Wales region..."

"We’re looking forward to working with the university and a local workforce to deliver this next, exciting phase of the Innovation Campus.”

Anthony Irving Managing director, Kier Construction Western & Wales

Kier has a strong track record for projects in Cardiff, including building Ice Arena Wales, home to the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team.