The £26m contract to oversee the design & build of the first phase of UWTSD's new waterfront development will also see the creation of 25 local jobs and 250 weeks of apprenticeship training, as Kier has collaborated with the University in its mission to ensure the community benefits from the scheme.

Kier will be responsible for managing the detailed and technical design of the University's new buildings, as well as handling the entire construction process. The 12,200sq m first phase of the Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter will comprise the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering and a new library building, together with external public spaces.

Working closely with the University, Kier will begin construction on Phase One in autumn 2016 to ensure the site is operational for the start of the academic year in 2018.

Jason Taylor, Kier operations director for South Wales, comments: 'We are delighted to be working in partnership with University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and our early involvement in the project helps us develop a true understanding of the University's aspirations and challenges. Using these learnings, combined with our extensive previous experience in delivering education projects - and together with our 'partnering' consultants - we will provide options that will maximise opportunity and deliver a facility that staff and students alike are excited to attend.'

Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, vice-chancellor of UWTSD, said: 'Appointing a design and construction delivery partner for the Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter brings us a step closer to realising our ambitious plans for both the University and the City Region following the approval of our plans by the City and County of Swansea in November.

'We have been impressed by Kier's proven track record and extensive experience in the education sector and we look forward to establishing a strong working partnership with them, as well as with the other partner organisations involved in this major development for the region.'

As principal contractor on the project, Kier will be based in SA1 for the duration of the build and will be responsible for establishing a collaborative working approach with all other contractors, including Stride Treglown, which continues to be involved in the design process.

Kier Group plc issued this content on 2016-01-14 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 2016-01-21 16:14:05 UTC

Original Document: http://www.kier.co.uk/press-office/press-release/2016/uowtsd-26m-swansea-contract.aspx