Bridgend College – Flagship Project & Ceremony
Brookbanks is proud to have delivered the civil and structural engineering design for Bridgend College’s transformative new town centre campus. This is a landmark £50 million development that will provide 13,000m² of state-of-the-art educational space across two buildings.
This ambitious scheme, designed by Rio Architects, is a cornerstone of Bridgend’s regeneration strategy and a vital investment in the future of education and opportunity in South Wales.
Engineering Innovation & Value
From concept stage, Reuby & Stagg, now part of Brookbanks, worked closely with the planning and detailed design teams to develop a robust and efficient structural solution. Our early involvement enabled us to deliver a £750,000 saving on the original consultant-provided tender structure at RIBA Stage 3, demonstrating our commitment to intelligent design and cost-effective delivery.
The main building features an 8-storey concrete flat slab structure, alongside a steel-framed, clear-spanning theatre, providing a space designed to inspire creativity and performance. What’s more, the site’s unique geology, being located over a backfilled quarry, required specialist engineering solutions including advanced piling techniques and void-spanning foundations to ensure long-term stability and safety.
Supporting the Community Through Design
As a further education institution, Bridgend College plays a vital role in shaping futures and supporting local aspirations. This new campus will enhance access to education, foster innovation, and serve as a vibrant hub for students, staff, and the wider community. This was done through the construction of two new buildings at Cheapside that will provide exceptional teaching and learning facilities, including a 200-seat theatre, hair and beauty salons, recording and dance studios, design workshops, and more.
We’re proud to have contributed to a project that will have such a lasting social impact, creating spaces that support learning, creativity, and growth.
Expanding Our Presence in South Wales
This project marks a flagship scheme for Brookbanks in South Wales, and reflects our growing footprint in the region. With the opening of our Cardiff office in early 2025, we’re excited to deepen our engagement with local clients and partners, bringing our expertise closer to the communities we serve.
Bridgend College is a testament to our capability and commitment in the region. We look forward to continuing to support South Wales with high-quality, sustainable engineering solutions.
Celebrating Progress: Topping Out Ceremony
On Monday, we celebrated a major milestone with the topping out ceremony for this fantastic project, a proud moment for everyone involved. Members of our Brookbanks team attended to mark the occasion, including Chris Vivian (Group Director for Structural Engineering), Jacob James (Senior Structural Engineer) and Andrew Wilkinson (Director) who heads up our Cardiff office and whose Welsh heritage adds a personal connection to this landmark project.
The ceremony was a celebration of collaboration, progress, and the people behind the project. It was a chance to reflect on the journey so far and look ahead to the positive impact this campus will have on the community.
We’re excited to see Bridgend College’s new campus come to life and proud to have been part of a project that exemplifies our technical excellence, community focus, and growing presence in South Wales!
Key Team Members
Director
Andrew Wilkinson
Read Profile
Group Director for Structural Engineering
Chris Vivian
Read Profile
Senior Structural Engineer
Jacob James
Read ProfileMore News
Why Early Site Investigations Matter
November 13, 2025
Developers often focus on design, budget and planning, but the ground underfoot can be a silent deal-breaker. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly 80% of construction problems arise from unexpected soil or rock conditions that proper investigation could have revealed.
Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Committee Reforms and Fees
November 5, 2025
The Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill, introduced in March 2025, is a cornerstone of its housing and growth agenda. Its report stage has recently concluded, with members seeking amendments to some elements.
Podcast Episode #4: Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
November 4, 2025
In this episode of the Brookbanks Podcast hosted by Ben Wakeling, guests Paul Coombs, Senior Civils Engineer and Andrew Wilkinson, Director, share their experience and reflections on the evolving landscape of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).