Swansea University Case Study

Actium Consult was appointed by Swansea University:

To assess the strategic objectives of the University and its academic plans in order to identify the key drivers for the estate
To carry out an evaluation of the existing accommodation utilising all information provided including condition, fitness for purpose, suitability etc
To undertake a gap analysis to examine the ability of the existing estate to meet current and anticipated future demands
To explore ways of resolving space pressures by examining the way in which space is currently allocated and utilised
To undertake a financial and non financial appraisal of a range of options that will provide estate and accommodation solutions for the University
To provide a practical implementation plan
To provide a comprehensive estates strategy which has been evolved with the key University stakeholders and which will provide a robust property and accommodation context for the University over the next ten years

Actium Consult’s findings were:

Need to change ‘Second League’ appearance which belies University’s core strengths
Current campus - inefficiently used because of fixed configurations
Lack of quality facilities for students which do not meet aspirations
Low utilisation of teaching space due to significant departmental teaching facilities
Old buildings - substantial modernisation/improvement required
No more space available to satisfy additional teaching and research opportunities
Campus too small and restrictive for effective knowledge transfer
Lack of effective shop window to draw in the customer
Fulton House negatively dominates the campus

Actium reported 4 key estate drivers:

we identified the key estates drivers for the university

Actium examined 3 options:

Option 1 – Transform and redevelop the central part of the campus on the site of Fulton/Union House to provide an additional 35,000 sq m of new space
Option 2 – Provide an additional 23,000 sq m of new space on the site of Haldane/Innovation Centre and refurbish Fulton House
Option 3 – Relocate the University to a new 87,500 sq m purpose built campus at Llanelli or Felindre

Option 1 was selected as the most appropriate for Swansea, and Actium arranged an architects’ competition to replace the out of date Fulton House:

The architects’ proposals for a new 35,000 sq m building were bold, innovative and original:

we ran architectural competitions for the new campus and produced a detailed implementation plan

For more information on the services we offer, or if you would like one of our professionals to contact you, please contact us or call 01483 222575