THE decision to bring a university hub to Swindon has been hailed as “a big step forward” after receiving cross-party support.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is to develop a postgraduate training hub in the soon-to-be revamped Carriage Works to support professional training for the cultural heritage industries.

UWTSD is responding to a national skills gap in archaeology as well as a gap in the market in Swindon due to the town’s limited higher education offer.

Converting the London Street Carriage Works is one of the top priorities in the council’s Town Centre Masterplan, which is being spearheaded by Forward Swindon, the company responsible for town centre regeneration.

Forward Swindon hope to turn the Carriage Works into a modern hub for technology firms, small businesses, entrepreneurs and the creative industries.

UWTSD will occupy Unit 11 and will contribute to the council’s ambition to increase the supply of higher education options available to people in Swindon.

Geraint Coles, senior lecturer in heritage management at the university, said: “This is a very exciting development for the university.

“The Swindon hub offers an opportunity for us to access a range of employers and their employees within the heritage sector in order to provide bespoke training and professional development.

“The hub will enable the university to create a touch-base for our community of learners and we are very grateful to Forward Swindon for their enthusiasm and support”.

The redevelopment of the Carriage Works will also build on the council’s commitment to finding sustainable uses for its heritage sites.

Councillor Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The Carriage Works is one of the council’s key regeneration projects and Forward Swindon has made great progress over the last 12 months to breathe new life into a building which is steeped in the town’s railway heritage.

“I am so pleased the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has recognised the potential of the building and I look forward to seeing it bustling with bright academic talent in the years to come.”

The announcement has also been welcomed by the Labour Group, who described it as “excellent news”.

Councillor Jane Milner-Barry, Labour’s shadow lead for town centre regeneration and heritage, said: “Along with the National Trust, Historic England and the National Monuments Centre, the presence of the University of Wales will further establish Swindon as a national centre for the heritage sector.

“Because of the large number of infrastructure and development projects which are getting under way - such as HS2 - there is actually a national shortage of archaeologists, so there will be plenty of demand for the archaeology courses offered at the Swindon site.

"The Labour Group is looking forward to seeing the historic Carriage Works brought back to life and generating income for Swindon. This is a big step forward in the regeneration of the Railway Village."