New university campus plans for Cardiff attracting 2,000 stu

Cardiff Metropolitan University and Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV unveil plans for a new campus and accommodation complex, that would provide a huge economic boost for the Cardiff Capital Region

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Phoenix TV, through subsidiary Phoenix Education, has entered into a joint venture with Cardiff Metropolitan University

Plans for a new university campus and accommodation complex attracting 2,000 students from around the world in Cardiff can be exclusively revealed.

In what would be the first ever new campus project between a UK university and a private sector company, it is understood that Cardiff Metropolitan University has entered into a joint venture agreement with Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV.

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The ambitious project for a state- of-the- art media and communications campus, would provide a huge direct and indirect economic boost for the city and wider capital region running into hundreds of millions of pounds over the long-term.

The project would create hundreds of jobs in its construction.

However, it would also directly create and support hundreds more in new teaching and support roles at the campus, as well as from the impact of the significant spend of students in the region.

Other potential projects
And it is understood that Phoenix is also looking at other investment opportunities in the Cardiff Capital Region, including, although at just an exploratory stage, a business park aimed at attracting Chinese companies and investment.

It could also potentially invest to support Cardiff council’s goal of seeing a new indoor door arena, designed to also accommodate conferences and exhibitions, built in the city.

Phoenix operates six channels from news to entertainment, in both Mandarin and Cantonese, which reach a global audience of 360 million.

It is listed on both the Hong Kong and New York stock exchanges. It has global revenues of more than £550m.

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Through its subsidiary Phoenix Education, it currently has joint venture campuses with four universities in China in media and communications.

Its proposed Cardiff campus, which would house a TV studio, would be its first outside of China.

Students would receive work-based training in the studio, including in news anchoring and presenting.

It could also look to provides courses for UK students looking to learn Mandarin and considering pursuing creative industry careers in the Far East.

Joined up approach
Executives from Phoenix have made a number of visits to Cardiff for high level discussions with the university and senior executives at Cardiff council.

It is understood that the joined up approach between the university and the council, has impressed the Chinese firm and given it confidence to take the project forward.

Later today a memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed between Phoenix, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cardiff council.

Project delivery and scale
The campus will be on a scale similar to the new BBC Wales HQ (image of artist impression of BBC project)
Work will now start on developing a more detailed business plan and assessing sites for the campus and student accommodation complex.

While options would have to be evaluated the campus and student accommodation complex could form one development.

The campus could extend to around 160,000 sq ft, which is similar in scale to the new £120m BBC Wales HQ for which work is now under way at the Central Square regeneration scheme immediately in front of Cardiff Central Train Station.

Related content: £1bn economic impact of BBC Wales HQ

The investment would be a huge boost for Wales and a counter to the flow of Chinese investment earmarked for the Northern Powerhouse initiative for the North England and the roll out of high speed rail northwards from London.

The contact with Phoenix came via Cardiff Metropolitan’s office in Beijing and talks have been taking place over the last year, culminating into today’s MoU which will be signed in Cardiff.

It is understood that the approach was initiated by Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Related content: Business Editor Sion Barry's verdict on the project

Both Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cardiff Council said they could not comment at this stage.

Subject to finding a suitable development site and securing planning consent, work on the campus could start in late 2017. It could take around two years for the development to be completed.

Potential sites
The current SA Brain & Co site -
There are plenty of development sites that could accommodate the project in Cardiff, including Central Square, which is being developed by Rightacres Property and the Capital Quarter scheme from JR Smart.

A five-acre site of yet to be developed land at Callaghan Square, which the Welsh Government is now looking to sell, could also accommodate the project.

There are also options in Cardiff Bay, including the Porth Teigr regeneration project, which is home to BBC Wales’ drama studios.

And although it would involve a more complex land deal, the existing SA Brain & Co site just south of Cardiff Central Train Station could be suitable – although a new brewery would have to found and financed for SA Brain.

Related content: Development options for the SA Brain site

Business model
The joint venture could see Phoenix financing both the campus and accommodation complexes, with Cardiff Metropolitan University, which last year celebrated its 150th year and has surpluses of £9m, then entering into long-term rental agreements.

The university would deliver the courses, building on its current expertise in media and design. The focus will be applied courses, so aligning studies and work-based training to the needs of the global media sector.

It could take a number of years for the media and communications campus to reach the 2,000 student mark.

This smacks of a white elephant? http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/b ... f-10852764

It sounds like an excellent idea, with the council, university and private company all winning in the long run. Universities can have a major impact on a city, and it could create some interest from China.

The only problem with this article is the mention of an indoor arena. I fail to see how this is linked with a new campus development. Especially when a new campus would likely decrease the number of potential arena sites. It would obviously be nice if they were both part of the same scheme though, forcing the arena into development.

It's an interesting project although it would see Cardiff Met going head to head with USW's Atrium in terms of courses offered. Media and HE seem to be the key economic drivers for the city at the moment. We could do with a few more - particularly high-end financial services.

It sounds like an excellent idea, with the council, university and private company all winning in the long run. Universities can have a major impact on a city, and it could create some interest from China.

The only problem with this article is the mention of an indoor arena. I fail to see how this is linked with a new campus development. Especially when a new campus would likely decrease the number of potential arena sites. It would obviously be nice if they were both part of the same scheme though, forcing the arena into development.

It actually says "an indoor door arena". Which sounds a bit niche to be honest.

It sounds all pie in the sky to me, with the ATRIUM and JOMEC, we need more broadcasting facilities and journos in Cardiff?

It sounds all pie in the sky to me, with the ATRIUM and JOMEC, we need more broadcasting facilities and journos in Cardiff?

This one sounds as if it's aimed more at the international market. To be fair, Cardiff Met has a good track record with attracting overseas students at the School of Management. This appears to be a similar project.

The Chinese partner seems like a really small player though - "turnover of over £550 million". For a media company in a major market, thats pretty small beer. And while I can see the education angle, whats the deal with business parks and indoor arenas? Its not an investment company. Have both the council and the company let themselves get carried away? The amateurish nature of many politicians - oooh Chinese investment, exciting! - and the debt-fueled construction frenzy that was seen in China but is now abating don't bode that well for me on this project.

Agree RC. Also 2000 students isn't alot. If they are thinking new build it wld need a building around the size of the Cochrane Building on the Heath Park. Nice enough for UHW (lets be honest, it isn't that hard to shine on that site) but wld be awful anywhere near the city centre.