Cardiff Metropolitan University has agreed to acquire University Hall in Cyncoed from Cardiff University in a multi-million-pound deal. The site, which sits close to Cardiff Metropolitan's Cyncoed campus, currently houses more than 650 Cardiff University students.
The agreement is set to enable more students in the capital to live within walking distance of where they study.
Strategic acquisition for Cardiff Met
The Cyncoed campus is home to Cardiff Metropolitan's Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff School of Education and Social Policy, and a wide range of sporting facilities, including the National Indoor Athletics Centre.
The property acquisition, the exact value of which has not been disclosed, will be completed next July, after current Cardiff University student residents reach the end of their tenancies. This will give Cardiff Metropolitan time to prepare for the arrival of its students at University Hall for the start of the 2027/28 academic year.
Staff currently working for Cardiff University at the site will be consulted about a potential transfer to Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Financial details and transition
Cardiff Metropolitan will secure a seven-figure annual rental income from the site. The deal will provide Cardiff University with a timely seven-figure capital receipt. Cardiff Metropolitan is acquiring the site using its strategic reserves.
Professor Rachael Langford, vice-chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “This is a key strategic acquisition for the university and will allow us to further develop the experience for our students, particularly those whose studies are primarily based at our busy Cyncoed campus.
"It will mean that more of our students will be able to live just a short walk from where they study, train and socialise, and it forms part of our commitment to invest further in an excellent student experience and ensure that we can keep costs down and quality high for our students.
“We look forward to working with Cardiff University to ensure a smooth transition period and are excited to be welcoming Cardiff Metropolitan University students to University Hall in September 2027.”
Both universities benefit
Cardiff University’s director of estates, Anita Edson, said: “This is a win-win for both universities. It ensures that both sets of students will have access to more accommodation options closer to their place of study and allows us to focus on our city-centre campus and wider estate ambitions.
“We can assure existing residents that there is no immediate impact, and we look forward to working together to ensure a smooth transition and minimal impact on staff.”
