Gower College Swansea is considering a move to a new city centre site, possibly at the planned Porth Copr development on the former St David's Shopping Centre and multi-storey car park.
The college confirmed it regularly reviews its estate and is exploring future options, including potential city centre opportunities. It did not name Porth Copr when asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) whether it planned to take space there.
A spokesperson for the college said: “We have an excellent working relationship with Swansea Council and support its ongoing efforts to regenerate and revitalise the city centre. We welcome the opportunity to explore how we can contribute to these ambitions while continuing to provide the best possible facilities and opportunities for our learners and staff.”
Early-Stage Discussions
The spokesperson added: “These discussions are at an early stage. No decisions have been made, and any proposal would be subject to funding and the necessary approvals.”
Porth Copr, if built, would comprise flats and blocks with office, commercial and education space. Outline planning permission is in place, and one of the seven proposed blocks has detailed consent and will be for office workers with commercial units on the ground floor.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said: “We are working with partners on plans for a skills campus in the city centre. This would help further boost the city centre by creating far more footfall and vibrancy, helping to attract new shops and other businesses. Positive discussions are progressing and announcements will be made once details are finalised.”
College Estates and Student Numbers
Gower College Swansea's main sites are at Tycoch and Gorseinon, where a £20.6 million redevelopment has just been completed. It also operates smaller sites including Llwyn y Bryn, Uplands.
The college had around 7,900 full and part-time students in 2024-25, according to its annual report, and provided training to around 3,000 apprentices. The report said an “enhanced city centre presence” was among its plans.
