Computing, Mathematics, Engineering & Technology (COMET), University of South Wales

Designed to make education and innovation visible and open to all—encouraging connection across disciplines.

The University of South Wales is transforming its estate to make better use of space and create a more efficient, future-ready learning environment. As part of this strategy, the university is aiming to improve spatial efficiency by around 30%.

Following a detailed feasibility study and early-stage design assessments, it was clear that the best way to achieve these goals was to build a new facility. This would offer major improvements in both how space is used and how energy is consumed across the estate.

A home for collaboration and innovation

The new building—called COMET (Computing, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology)—will bring together departments that are currently spread across the campus. It will provide 11,500m² of modern teaching, research, and collaboration space including heavy engineering labs and maker spaces where staff, students, and the public can develop new skills through making and doing.

Designed for the future

At the heart of the design is a focus on visual transparency. The building will be open and connected—offering views into labs, workshops, and shared areas to highlight the work taking place inside. It’s a building that invites curiosity and encourages collaboration.

Structural systems will be left exposed where appropriate, making the building a learning tool in itself—showcasing engineering and sustainable design in action.

Planning and delivery

Stride Treglown’s Town Planning studio led the planning process, securing permission from the Local Planning Authority in June 2024. The team managed the discharge of all pre-commencement conditions, keeping the project on track and enabling construction to begin in August 2024. The project is due to complete in March 2026.