Kier : confirmed as preferred bidder to build new £135m Cardiff University Innovation Campus

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 will also include a bridge linking Cardiff Business School with CIC.

Kier secured the contract under the SEWSCAP 2 framework, and the company 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.

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.'

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.'

Kier has a strong track record of projects in Cardiff, including building Ice Arena Wales, home to the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team. The scheme recently won Project of the Year at the inaugural Kier Annual Awards, designed to recognise excellence across Kier's 21,000-strong workforce.

Kier will be holding a Meet the Buyer event for local suppliers in early 2017.