Cardiff Innovation Campus creates up to 135 jobs
3 January 2017
Ground work is underway on Cardiff Innovation Campus, creating up to 135 construction job opportunities over the next two years.
Cardiff University is partnering Kier Group plc to conduct the first £80m of early works on the brownfield site - the third phase in the development of Cardiff Innovation Campus (CIC), backed by Welsh Government funding.
The construction work will support employment, training, apprenticeships and development opportunities for disadvantaged groups, NEETs, workless households and long-term unemployed.
The latest Maindy Park development features two centres of excellence.
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 partnerships.
The other will be home to two leading scientific research establishments - the Institute for Compound Semiconductors and Cardiff Catalysis Institute.
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 unlock the economic potential of catalysis and Compound Semiconductors, and harness the application of social science to solve pressing global problems.”
Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates said: “I am delighted that work on the £300m Cardiff Innovation Campus is now underway and that Welsh Government is able to support this exciting project.
“Innovation is right at the heart of our economic strategy for Wales and this project goes way beyond construction jobs. The new research into emerging technologies that will be based in these state-of-the-art facilities will play a pivotal role in enabling the private sector to flourish and will help create a range of high quality jobs. It is another a great example of the Welsh Government’s work to support business by investing in infrastructure, skills and improving operating conditions.”
Welsh Government has already part-funded two new buildings on CIC, contributing £12m to Institute for Compound Semiconductors and £6m to Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre.
Kier secured the £80m contract with a commitment to support employment, training, apprenticeships and development opportunities in the local area.
Anthony Irving, Managing Director, Kier Construction, Western and Wales, said: “Our commitment includes local employment and skills development opportunities, subcontracting local SMEs where practical, 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.”
Building work on CIC is due for completion in 2018, with official openings in 2019.