Coleg Cambria Llysfasi has officially unveiled a new £10 million agriculture and education building to accommodate a surge in student numbers at the land-based college. The state-of-the-art Hwb Arloesi (Innovation Hub), which was completed over the Christmas period, was made possible thanks to significant backing from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which contributed over £5.9 million to the project.
The 1,095 square metre, two-storey complex is designed with sustainability in mind, being carbon-neutral and offering a range of cutting-edge facilities to support the growing demand for education in agriculture. The building, constructed by Wrexham-based Read Construction, features modern classrooms, laboratories, meeting spaces, a library, a coffee shop, and a climbing wall. Additionally, the centre includes a Higher Education (HE) space, a wellbeing hub, and an atrium, designed to foster a collaborative and welcoming learning environment for students and staff alike.
Elin Roberts, Head of Llysfasi, expressed her enthusiasm about the new development and its impact on the site. “The building is incredible and is already a big hit with the students and staff,” she said. “With the cutting-edge equipment and the innovative spaces available, it’s clear that this facility will help us meet the growing demand for education in agriculture. The facilities are world-class, and our bilingual tutors and staff, who have joined us in recent months, are excited to be teaching in such an inspiring environment.”
The investment follows a remarkable 70% increase in learner enrolment, underlining the demand for agricultural education in the region. The college’s expansion is not just limited to the physical campus, with the recruitment of several new staff members also playing a key role in meeting this rising demand.
One of the new recruits is Gethin Jones, a lecturer in Engineering, who hails from Ruthin. With a background as a secondary school teacher in Connah’s Quay and as the owner of a fabrication business, Jones is excited to teach in the new facility. “With the leading-edge technology available here, it’s the perfect place to educate the next generation of agricultural engineers,” he said.
Also joining the team are Geraint Ellis, a lecturer in Forestry, Countryside Management, and Ground Care, and Gruff Jones, an Instructor/Demonstrator in Forestry, Estates, and Countryside Management. Geraint, who has a passion for land-based industries and regenerative agriculture, shared his excitement about the new building, saying, “It’s a fantastic move. What better place to teach than in this incredible new building? I’m excited to be part of this next chapter at Llysfasi.”
Other new hires include Aled Williams, an Instructor/Demonstrator in Agriculture from Llannefydd, and Agriculture lecturer Anna Lewis. Their arrival further strengthens the college’s ability to deliver top-quality education and training to the next generation of agricultural professionals.
Looking ahead, the future appears bright for Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, with further expansion plans set for 2025. The combination of modern facilities, innovative teaching methods, and a growing team of expert staff promises to solidify the college’s position as a leader in land-based education in north east Wales and beyond.