Issue - meetings

Councillor W. Hodgins declared an interest in this item.

Consideration was given to report of the Skills Development Manager.

The Skills Development Manager presented the report which sought endorsement of the Blaenau Gwent Future

Skills report and the subsequent funding proposal submitted to Tech Valleys for the refurbishment of the Monwell Building into an Advanced Engineering Centre.

In 2018 the Council acquired the former Monwell Factory and set about developing the site to realise an ambition to create a venue which would support the future skills needs of the manufacturing industry across Blaenau Gwent and the Heads of the Valley.

December 2020, MTC Training Services published their findings based on research across Blaenau Gwent industry for Future Skills Recommendations and delivery within the proposed training centre, and this was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.

In response to a question raised the Officer confirmed that this was a refurbishment project, using the existing structure and building on top.  The footprint of the building would remain the same, and the plans included a mezzanine floor to increase floor space for classrooms.  Parking would be provided within the grounds.

Members said this was an exciting project, bringing regeneration, education and training all under one roof, and not only investing in a redundant building but in our future generations.

The Officer said the timescale was tight as the College had aspirations to get on site next September, and Officers were working closely with Welsh Government in terms of funding.  She said this was an exciting opportunity, and this type of facility was very much wanted by manufactures in the area. 

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and:

     i.        Endorsed the MTC report and associated recommendations; and

    ii.        Noted and endorsed the TV submission for the refurbishment of Monwel into the AEC (Option 2).