Carmarthen: £90m college ‘super campus’ approved despite backlash over closures and countryside impact

Carmarthenshire councillors have backed plans to transform the Pibwrlwyd site into Campws Caerfyrddin — a major new hub for Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion.

The development will more than double the current site, with four new buildings designed for around 3,300 students and 270 staff.

Courses will include everything from construction and engineering to electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance, alongside hair and beauty, catering and art, with facilities such as a library, café, gym and social spaces.

Coleg Sir Gâr’s Pibwrlwyd campus in Carmarthen will be transformed under the approved plans (Image: Coleg Sir Gâr)

But the decision has sparked controversy.

The project will see teaching centralised at Carmarthen — with existing campuses in Ammanford and Jobs Well set to be emptied of students and staff.

The plans previously caused an outcry in Ammanford, with concerns over the loss of local provision and its impact on the town.

There are also environmental worries.

Objectors raised fears about the loss of trees, hedgerows and farmland, as well as the impact on wildlife — including bats, otters and the rare hazel dormouse.

Concerns were also raised about increased traffic on already busy roads, particularly around the Pensarn roundabout, and the effect on nearby residents.

Despite this, planners said the benefits outweighed the negatives.

The scheme includes a new car park, coach drop-off, gym, multi-use games area and extensive landscaping — with more trees set to be planted than removed.

Artist’s impression of the planned Campws Caerfyrddin development at Pibwrlwyd, showing landscaped central spaces and new teaching buildings (Image: Coleg Sir Gâr)

A planning report said the modern campus would bring “significant public benefit”, helping deliver the skills employers need and supporting future economic growth.

College leaders have also welcomed the decision, describing it as a major milestone.

Acting principal Vanessa Cashmore said: “This investment is about far more than new facilities. It is about transforming opportunities for learners across Carmarthenshire.

“It is an opportunity to change lives and enable generations of learners to build a prosperous future for themselves.”

She added the new campus would provide “world-class training” and help students develop the skills needed for modern careers, particularly in growing areas such as green technologies.

The college says the development will create a more inclusive, modern and bilingual learning environment, while strengthening its role in the regional economy by working closely with employers and communities.

Councillors were divided on the plans.

Aerial view of Coleg Sir Gâr’s Ammanford campus, which is set to be vacated under the plans (Image: Coleg Sir Gâr)The Coleg Sir Gâr campus in Ammanford, which has sparked concern over its future (Image: Coleg Sir Gâr)

Some raised concerns about the loss of the Ammanford campus, while others described the scheme as a “wow” investment that could boost apprenticeships and address skills shortages.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the new buildings completed by 2029, followed by demolition of older structures.

The approval marks a major shift in how and where students across west Wales will be taught — and one of the biggest education investments the region has seen in decades.

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