HiVE (High Value Engineering Facility)
Ebbw Vale, Wales
Services
People
project overview
A future-ready advanced manufacturing and engineering educational facility
Part of Coleg Gwent, Wales’ largest further education college, HiVE (High Value Engineering Facility) is a state of the art STEM education facility designed to inspire the next generation of engineers. Responding to a growing regional demand for engineering skills and technical expertise, this two storey advanced manufacturing education facility provides 600 places for learners aged 16 and above. The entirely digital facility offers hands on learning surrounded by innovation and technology that mirrors real-world industry environments.
Designed to be flexible, adaptable and future-proof, HiVE accommodates rapidly evolving curriculum needs, as engineering and digital industries advance. Specialist spaces, including advanced manufacturing and composite workshops, a maker space, aero and autonomous vehicle workshops, digital manufacturing labs, and dedicated AR/VR suites, sit alongside classrooms, collaborative study areas and social spaces. Together, they create a high-performance learning environment that reflects the pace and ambition of modern engineering.
HiVE supports wider economic growth by strengthening connections between education and industry partnerships. The facility provides R&D opportunities for industry partners and STEM training spaces for local employers, helping to shape a tech-ready workforce for a rapidly changing digital economy.
Sustainability has shaped the project from the outset. Built on the site of the former Monwell Hankinson Building, we reused elements of the existing steel frame, floor slab and surrounding carpark, significantly reducing embodied carbon and material waste. For new build elements, we prioritised recycled and reused materials, constructing a new steel frame in the central area to support the first floor and roof. Achieving BREEAM Excellent, HiVE demonstrates a highly efficient and cost-effective model for sustainable educational design.
This vibrant, high-performance educational facility demonstrates Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s commitment to investing in their community, equipping them with the vital skills they need for a digital, innovation-led future.
key information
Project summary
Location
Ebbw Vale NP23 6WJ
Client
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council
Completion
2025
Value
£6m
Size
5,692 m2
Includes
600 student spaces
Advanced manufacturing workshops
Composite workshops
Maker space
Aero and autonomous vehicle workshops
Digital manufacturing labs
AR/VR suites
Classrooms
Meeting rooms
Social spaces
Team
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