Welsh universities have been buying sites as part of plans to expand their property footprint.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has bought Admiral Group House in Swansea from Irish developer Kilbeg for £11.9m.
The university, which was advised by JLL and Rowland Jones, has £100m plans for a waterfront campus in the city’s SA1 development.
The University of South Wales, also advised by JLL, has purchased a four-acre site from Dunedin and Brockton at Treforest, where it intends to expand its sports facilities.
Last week, Cardiff Metropolitan University also confirmed a new campus plan in partnership with Chinese media business Phoenix TV, that is expected to accommodate 2,000 students. Potential development sites are being considered.
In 2014 Cardiff University announced a masterplan to boost its teaching and research facilities that was to be funded partially by the issue of £300m of bonds, which were priced last week and will mature in 2055, paying investors 3.1% a year.
Justin Millett, director of capital markets at JLL, said: “Universities in Wales have been involved in programme of key disposals and acquisitions as part of their estate strategies, with each engaged in significant development projects that will enhance and transform their respect estates. It’s an exciting and dynamic time for the higher education sector in the region.”
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