17-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
College ‘buzzing' with excitement over new engineering campus
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, which led the project, has handed the facility over to Coleg Gwent.
It will be kitted out over the summer with state-of-the-art robotics, advanced manufacturing technologies, and immersive digital tools.
The 21,808 sq ft campus will offer hi-tech training and education in robotics, and advanced manufacturing in fields such as automotive, aerospace, and information technology.
The council secured £10.8 million funding from UK government and £4.8 million from the Welsh Government's Tech Valleys programme to transform the former Monwel Hankinson factory site in Ebbw Vale.
Cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning Rebecca Evans said: 'This fantastic new facility forms a key part of our vision to transform the South Wales Valleys into a globally recognised hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable technologies.'
Cllr John Morgan, BGCBC cabinet member for economy and place, said: 'Hive has faced some challenges during its build, and I want to commend everyone involved for their commitment and vision in delivering this hugely important project."
Nicola Gamlin, principal of Coleg Gwent, said: 'We're proud to take ownership of the state-of-the-art HiVE facility, a landmark development for education and skills in Blaenau Gwent and beyond. We're excited to welcome our first cohort of learners this September.'
The learning starts even before HiVE however, with the HiVE Hub Programme in local schools, which is being funded by Welsh Government Tech Valleys and UK Government.
The programme aims to create meaningful and sustainable links between the college and Blaenau Gwent schools to support high quality and inspirational learning experiences.
