At Ridge, we are helping to shape the future of education across South Wales through our involvement in two landmark projects for Cardiff and Vale College. Appointed in May this year, our civil, structural and geotechnical teams have been working at pace to deliver the Barry Waterfront Campus in Barry and the Advanced Technology Centre in Rhoose. Together, these facilities form part of the Welsh Government’s Mutual Investment Model (MIM) programme, designed to create world-class learning environments that inspire students and support local communities.

Progress on site 

Construction is now well underway at both campuses. Foundation works are progressing steadily, and steel fabrication is scheduled to begin in the new year. Our civil, structural and geotechnical specialists have been central to this progress, particularly in overcoming the complex ground conditions at Barry Waterfront, a site built on regenerated dockland nearly ten metres deep. Our ability to respond quickly to challenges has been critical: one of our geotechnical experts attended the ATC site almost twenty times in just two months, providing hands-on support that ensured foundations could move forward without delay. 

Collaboration across the project team 

Delivering projects of this scale requires strong partnerships. Ridge is proud to be working alongside Bouygues Construction, the Tier 1 contractor leading delivery on site, Powell Dobson Architects, Sheppard Robson Architects, and Atkins Realis, responsible for mechanical, electrical and public health engineering. Together, this integrated team is combining technical excellence with innovation to realise Cardiff and Vale College’s vision for modern, sustainable learning environments. 

Advanced Technology Centre – Rhoose 

The Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) is being designed as a hub of innovation, equipping students with the skills needed for industries of the future. The facility will house an impressive range of specialist spaces, including laboratories for electrical and mechanical engineering, bricklaying and carpentry workshops, vehicle workshops, virtual reality and composites labs, advanced manufacturing suites, plumbing and computing workshops, CAD suites, and even an e‑sports lab. This diverse mix reflects the college’s ambition to prepare students for both traditional trades and cutting-edge technologies, ensuring graduates are ready to contribute to a rapidly evolving economy. 

Barry Waterfront Campus – Barry 

The Barry Waterfront Campus (BWC) will provide equally dynamic opportunities, supporting vocational and creative learning across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Facilities will include a restaurant and production kitchen, beauty studios, ALN services with outdoor teaching spaces, a multi-cultural terrace and greenhouses, craft courses, art studios, IT classrooms and health and safety training spaces. Situated on a regenerated dockland site, the campus is part of a wider regeneration scheme that also includes the Barry Waterfront Primary School, another Ridge project, and complements the flagship Cardiff campus. Together, these developments represent a significant expansion of educational provision beyond Cardiff city centre, bringing opportunities closer to communities outside of the city centre. 

Sustainability and Social Value 

Sustainability sits at the heart of both schemes. Ridge is working closely with partners to minimise concrete use and meet strict carbon emission targets, supporting the college’s long-term ambition to achieve net zero carbon. This has required innovative design solutions and a commitment to reducing materials to the bare minimum without compromising structural integrity. 

Beyond the technical delivery, Ridge has also prioritised social value. Our teams have proactively engaged with Cardiff and Vale College, suggesting presentations and workshops to students at the ATC to spark interest in construction careers and encourage future talent into the industry. By sharing our expertise directly with learners, we are helping to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring students understand the opportunities available in construction and engineering. 

Innovation is also being embraced through technology. Bouygues has introduced Revizto, a collaboration tool, to enhance project coordination and efficiency and reduce risks and clashes on site. This digital platform is helping teams work more seamlessly across disciplines, improving communication and reducing the risk of delays. 

A dynamic partnership 

Cardiff and Vale College is a forward-thinking institution, committed to providing more opportunities for students across the region. By delivering these facilities outside Cardiff city centre, the college is extending access to high-quality education and training into local communities. The projects underline a shared commitment to supporting future talent, driving innovation in construction, and embedding sustainability at the heart of design and delivery. 

Looking ahead 

With steel frames set to rise in the new year, both campuses are progressing towards becoming transformative spaces for students and the wider community. Ridge is proud to be part of this journey, bringing expertise, responsiveness and innovation to projects that will shape the future of education in South Wales. 

For more information, contact Elizabeth Side.