COLEG Sir Gâr has confirmed that its Ammanford campus may close as part of plans to develop a “world-class campus development” at Pibwrlwyd and secure the college’s financial future.

Plans to merge the existing Coleg Sir Gâr campuses at Pibwrlwyd, Ammanford, and Jobs Well have been put forward, which the college has said “may result in the closure of some campuses”.

In a letter to Adam Price MS, minister for education Jeremy Miles MS confirmed that the Welsh Government was backing plans for investment in the Coleg Sir Gâr campus at Pibwrlwyd.

The proposed Pibwrlwyd campus development would receive Welsh Government funding through the Mutual Investment Model, which Mr Miles said would “provide state of the art facilities” as well as “additional recreational and wellbeing facilities”.

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The Ammanford campus was described by Mr Miles as “generally in poor or very poor condition”, as well as “costly to maintain” and “inefficient”.

In a statement, the college confirmed that the proposals had been “carefully considered”, and would allow it to “address the current challenges of an aging estate” and “ensure future financial stability”.

Coleg Sir Gâr has said that the investment in the Pibwrlwyd campus would “provide a contemporary, technologically-driven sustainable learning environment”.

A spokesperson for the college said: “Coleg Sir Gâr is working closely with the Welsh Government in planning a world-class campus development that promises to elevate the learner experience, ensure future financial stability, and contribute to the economic prosperity of Carmarthenshire.

“This planned campus development represents a step forward in our vision to offer industry-leading, top quality vocational education and training.

“This initiative will strategically unite the existing campuses at Pibwrlwyd, Ammanford, and Jobs Well, to provide a contemporary, technologically-driven sustainable learning environment. In addition, this will enable us to address the current challenges of an aging estate.

“While this may result in the closure of some campuses, we want to assure our community that these changes are carefully considered and aligned with the national mission to ensure that post 16 education thrives and delivers for the economy of Wales.

“We recognise the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals, and we look forward to working closely with our stakeholders throughout this exciting journey. 

“Together we can ensure that Coleg Sir Gar delivers a cohesive, vibrant, and best-in-class facility in Carmarthen (Pibwrlwyd) that promises inspirational learning in an unrivalled environment.”