Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has revealed plans to relocate its Bangor campus to Parc Menai business park.
The vision involves moving Coleg Menai Bangor Campus from the existing Ffriddoedd Road and Friars sites, which are in need of drastic renovation works.
It would see a new campus set up at the Tŷ Menai and Llwyn Brain buildings on Parc Menai creating a "fit-for-purpose, hi-tech learning environment for students".
If granted planning permission, the ambitious plans would entail investment of around £18m.
The project would bring together all of the existing Bangor-based Coleg Menai departments and administrative functions.
It would also consolidate the Grŵp’s creative industries provision, with courses ranging from art and music technology, to games design and TV production all available on the same site.
A decision on the future of the existing sites has not yet been made although it would be likely that they would be sold - freeing up key locations close to the centre of Bangor.
Coleg Menai principal Aled Jones-Griffith said: “We have long identified the need to move from our current site as the buildings are in such a state of disrepair.
"The relocation to Parc Menai would bring our Bangor Campus into the 21 century and allow us to offer students and staff the best possible environment to excel here in north west Wales.
“Given that the Parc Menai site is positioned alongside some of the region’s leading creative companies, it is perfectly located for greater partnership working with industry.
"This will help us to ensure that the learning and training opportunities offered to young people meet the skills requirements of local employers.”
Today a 28 day period of consultation on the proposals was launched, ahead of submitting a planning application for change of use to Gwynedd Council later this year.
Mr Jones-Griffith said: “Whilst we have full confidence in our vision, this project is by no means a done deal and we will continue to work with partners over the coming months to refine our proposals.
“The next step for us is to consult on the plans as part of the planning process.
"We are holding a drop-in event at Tŷ Menai, Parc Menai between 3pm and 6pm on 20 of June and would like to invite anyone wanting to learn more or discuss the proposals with us to come along.”
Aled added: “We have already secured Welsh Government support in principle for our proposals, and will continue to work with partners including Gwynedd Council and local schools on delivering first class post-16 education as we plan for future provision.
“We have also been in discussions with business leaders on Parc Menai and in the surrounding area who have expressed their support for our plans.”
Jon Rashid, head of 3D Development at Gaia Technologies plc, said: “Having access to a highly trained pool of young people on Parc Menai would be a massive benefit for us, not least in attracting and retaining local talent.
"The Campus would also breathe a much welcomed vibrancy to Parc Menai and provide excellent training facilities right here on our doorstep.”
Stephen Edwards, director of design and production company Cread Cyf and co-founder of Het Creative said: “Coleg Menai’s vision for the Bangor Campus is absolutely fantastic, and I only wish I was of the generation of young people that will benefit should it become a reality.
"My colleagues and I will most definitely be looking to collaborate with Coleg Menai on initiatives to develop skills and employment opportunities in the area.”
