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9th September 2021

£132M Life Science Scheme Set To Take Step Forward

Plans for a new £132m life science, well-being and sports campuses project in Swansea that is expected create more than 1,000 jobs are set to move forward.

Swansea Council’s cabinet is set to scrutinse the plans next week (16 September) with a recommendation to approve the business case for the project. The investment will then be considered at the City Deal’s Joint Committee before submission to the UK Government and Welsh Government for final sign-off.

The project is one of nine forming part of the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal investment across the Swansea Bay City Region.

The two-site, phased project includes:

  • The creation of an Institute of Life Science space at the Morriston Hospital site, which will include commercial and academic collaboration alongside clinical research and development;
  • Planning for a new access road from the M4 to a 55-acre site adjacent to the current hospital site;
  • The creation of a research and innovation space at the Sketty Lane sports park to support the development, testing and evaluation of medical, health, well-being and sport technologies, as well as commercial collaborations.

The project is being led by Swansea University, in partnership with Swansea Council, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Hywel Dda University Health Board, the ARCH Partnership (A Regional Collaboration for Health) and key private sector partners.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader, said: “The submission of this exciting project for approval is yet more progress for the Swansea Bay City Deal, with seven of its nine major projects having already been approved.

“Led by Swansea University, this project will build on regional expertise in life science and clinical innovation, with the Sketty Lane plans focusing on sport and well-being, including the prevention of ill-health and rehabilitation provision.”

Professor Paul Boyle, vice chancellor of Swansea University, added: “Swansea University is delighted that plans for this major regional initiative, in collaboration with Swansea Council, our local health boards and key private sector partners, continue to progress.

“Harnessing the thriving health and life science ecosystem in the Swansea Bay City Region, the proposals include the establishment of an international centre for innovation in healthcare and medicine, generating positive impact for population health and supporting the development of an innovative Sports Tech industry here in Wales.”

Sian Harrop-Griffiths, Swansea Bay University Health Board director of strategy, said: “This partnership with the university will enable us to build on our existing research capability and excellence, and provide strong links to improving patient care. It will also help us to strengthen Morriston Hospital’s role as the regional specialist centre for South West Wales, and improve our ability to recruit and retain high-quality staff.”