Swansea University: New science campus work starts in April

The new campus will include the university's engineering, business and economics, maths, and computer science departments

Work to build Swansea University's £450m second campus on the outskirts of the city is set to begin in April.

The 69-acre site off Fabian Way will focus on science and innovation as well as providing student residences.

About 4,000 direct jobs will be created during the construction phrase with a further 6,000 indirect jobs supported in the wider economy as a result.

The first phase, costing £150m, is expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.

Bill Oliver, chief executive of developer St Modwen, said: "We expect the project will create a variety of highly skilled jobs, providing a significant economic boost for Swansea and the wider area during a period characterised by low growth and investment."

Oil giant BP originally donated the land for the campus while businesses who will be involved include Rolls Royce, Hewlett-Packard, Tata, Bell Labs and BAE.

The university estimates the campus would contribute more than £3bn to the regional economy over the next 10 years and create thousands of jobs.

Plans include a research and testing facility operated in partnership with Rolls-Royce.

There will also be new teaching and research facilities for the university's engineering, business and economics, maths, and computer science departments as well as student residential accommodation.

The university's Singleton Park campus will also be regenerated.