Kit PetersGARNGOCH: Former M&P building to become college’s new construction and green energy campus
A Swansea landmark known to generations of motorcyclists is to begin a new life training the region’s next generation of builders and green energy engineers.
Gower College Swansea has completed the purchase of the former M&P building at Garngoch — and will transform it into a modern new campus for its built environment and renewable technology courses.
Subject to planning and grant approvals, the new campus is set to open its doors to learners in late 2028.
“This is a significant milestone for Gower College Swansea, for our learners and for the communities we serve,” said the college’s chief executive officer, Kelly Fountain. “This is more than just a new building — it’s a bold commitment to the industries that are shaping our future.
“Built environment and renewable technology are among the fastest-growing sectors in Wales and beyond, sitting at the very heart of our national ambitions around infrastructure, sustainability and net zero.
“By investing in top class facilities, we can ensure that our learners are trained to the highest standard, are industry-ready and positioned to make a real and lasting contribution to the regional economy.”
The college received planning permission in November 2025 to convert the building from a warehouse to an educational facility, and work has already begun on the design and planning of the new campus.
It will feature brand-new welding bays — significantly expanding the college’s capacity to deliver hands-on training in one of the most in-demand skilled trades — alongside industry-standard facilities for carpentry, brickwork, plastering, dry lining, tiling, plumbing, electrical, retrofit and renewable technologies.
The college says the provision is directly aligned with the opportunities presented by the Celtic Freeport — with students positioned to take up the jobs and supply chain growth it is expected to unlock across south Wales.
The building will also house the college’s Energy Centre — a suite of new commercial courses spanning hydrogen, solar and wind turbine technology, aimed at industry, business and individuals seeking specialist green economy skills.
“For our learners, this means access to exceptional, specialist environments that reflect the real-world settings they will work in — giving them the skills, confidence and qualifications to thrive in careers that genuinely matter,” Ms Fountain added.
“Beyond the training spaces themselves, the campus has been designed with the whole learner experience in mind. It will feature dedicated social spaces and breakout areas, creating an environment where learners can connect, recharge and thrive. Importantly, it will also provide Additional Learning Needs support, ensuring that every learner, regardless of their individual needs, has equal access to the outstanding opportunities this facility will offer.”
The college is now finalising its business case for submission to the Welsh Government — the critical milestone in the project. Final approval would trigger a 65 per cent Welsh Government funding contribution towards the development.
The move would also see the college’s employer-led and professional qualifications provision relocate to one of its main campuses or suitable alternative premises.
The campus plans write the next chapter for a site that holds a place in the hearts of generations of motorcyclists. M&P Direct had been a fixture of the UK biking scene since 1978, supplying motorcycles, parts, clothing and accessories from its Phoenix Way base — its thick mail-order catalogues once a staple of garages across the country, and its Swansea store a destination for riders from far beyond Wales.
The dealership closed suddenly last September with the loss of around 50 jobs — just months after being taken over by a group of investors — leaving the future of the landmark building uncertain.
Nine months on, that future is settled: hard hats and heat pumps where the helmets and exhausts used to be.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Shock as iconic Swansea motorbike dealership M&P Direct closes after nearly five decades
Our report from September on the sudden closure that left the building’s future uncertain.
SWANSEA: Major graduate careers event aiming to keep Welsh talent in Wales comes to the Albert Hall
More on the drive to keep skilled workers in the region.
More Celtic Freeport stories from Swansea Bay News
The latest on one of the region’s biggest economic developments.
