Currently based at the Bute Building on King Edward VII Avenue, the school offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in newspaper, broadcast and international journalism, as well as political and science communications. The new space will provide lecture theatres and production and studio space, as well as library and other academic facilities for students.
The deal will see the School vacate the Bute Building and move to its new home at the start of the 2018 academic year.
Ben Bolton, Director of Business Space at Cooke & Arkwright, said: “Cooke & Arkwright was instructed to work with Cardiff University to consider the long-term home of the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies. We worked closely together to explore each of the possible options.
“The challenge was to find a multi-use space suitable for all facets of the School’s offering, including lecture facilities and production space that will be in keeping with its standing as a world-leading school of journalism.
“In the central square development we’ve secured the school an ideal home; positioned a stone’s throw from the train station and other key transport links, right next to a major UK broadcaster, and at the centre of the city within easy reach of the University’s other key facilities. In addition, the space will offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, crucial for a progressive and outward-looking academic facility.”
Speaking to Wales Online, Professor Stuart Allan, Head of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, said: “The School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies is one of the leading schools in the UK and internationally. The BBC's global reputation for media production, together with the innovative design of the new buildings, will make this a centre for excellence that will be genuinely world-class.”
Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of BBC Wales, also told Wales Online, “I really can't imagine a better partner to have right alongside us at Central Square. Both organisations share such a long-standing commitment to journalism and creativity, and the vital role both play at the heart of our national life. Today's exciting announement will enable us to deepen our partnership - and work together to train and develop the next generation of journalists and media professionals.”
- Visuals by Meshroom