Plans have been submitted for a new 50-bedroom student accommodation complex at Coleg Cambria’s Llysfasi campus, aimed at meeting rising demand for student housing. The proposals come on the back of the completion of a £10m agriculture and education centre, which includes classrooms, laboratories, a library, a coffee shop, meeting spaces, and more.
The new development, designed by Wrexham-based TACP Architects and set to be constructed by Read Construction, would address the increasing student numbers at the college. According to Elin Roberts, Head of Llysfasi, the number of students has surged by 70% in recent years, particularly due to strong industry partnerships with agriculture giants like AGCO and Kubota. These collaborations attract learners from across the UK who visit the Denbighshire campus for work-based qualifications.
“This rise in student numbers has created a significant demand for additional high-quality accommodation, especially for apprentices who come in three-week blocks from all over the country,” said Roberts.
The new 50-bed accommodation complex will complement the college’s existing hostel facilities and integrate seamlessly with the state-of-the-art agriculture and education centre that was opened just weeks ago. The Llysfasi campus has seen several upgrades in recent years, including the development of a £1.2m rural education centre which includes IT suites, classrooms, workshops, and meeting rooms focused on bilingual and community services.
“We are very proud of the ongoing transformation at Llysfasi, and this new accommodation block will be another step in our commitment to providing the highest quality facilities for our students and the wider community,” Roberts added.
The new accommodation will feature first-class living spaces, including en-suite bedrooms and breakout areas for socialising. The campus is situated in the Vale of Clwyd, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing a picturesque backdrop for students.
In addition to improving student housing, the plans for the new development also aim to support the local rural economy. By expanding their educational facilities, Coleg Cambria is continuing to help shape the next generation of agricultural and forestry workers in Denbighshire and beyond.
The accommodation complex, which will be part of the college’s broader investment programme, is expected to further strengthen Coleg Cambria’s position as one of the leading agricultural colleges in the country. The project aims to meet the increasing demand for high-quality educational facilities, ensuring students and staff benefit from modern and well-equipped environments.
“We are excited about the potential of this development and are optimistic about receiving approval to move forward with our investment plans,” said Roberts. “This new accommodation complex will be a vital addition to our campus, enabling us to provide the best possible environment for our learners and ensuring that we continue to be a centre of excellence for education and agriculture.”
