In September 2023, CMB started work on the Mechanical & Electrical contract for HiVE – a new multi-million-pound High Value Engineering educational facility being undertaken by ISG on the site of the former Monwel Hankinson factory in Ebbw Vale.

 

However, with news of ISG’s administration in September 2024, followed by several months of uncertainty surrounding the future of the project, CMB stepped in as Principal Contractor to see through the project to the end. This ensured the continuation of the contracts for 173 staff, 39 subcontractors, as well as additional funders and stakeholders, all involved across the scope of the project.

 

The 21,808 sq ft facility now provides state-of-the art training and education for young people and businesses in the fields of robotics, advanced materials and manufacturing, and digital and enabling technologies. The facility consists of high-quality teaching spaces with the capacity for up to 600 students, complete with classrooms, study areas and a range of workshop spaces. HiVE is also kitted out with state-of the-art robotics and manufacturing equipment available for use by both post-16 students and businesses taking on new technologies.

 

The initial works included the installation of four air source heat pumps and primary plant, with heat distributed via underfloor heating, radiators, and electric warm air curtains, all zoned for control and efficiency. A dedicated domestic hot water calorifier was also integrated. Ventilation was provided through a combination of natural means, including actuated windows with CO₂ and temperature sensors, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery units in key areas. All systems were fully integrated with the BEMS/BMS via a Tridium platform, managing heating, ventilation, water systems, and energy metering.

 

Highadmit Projects were engaged to carry out the full electrical installation, which included a new 420 kVA supply from Western Power Distribution, LV panelboards, distribution boards, structured cable containment systems, internal and external lighting with automated controls, provision of standard and specialist small power, and dedicated electric vehicle charging infrastructure. A rooftop photovoltaic system was also installed to support on-site renewable energy generation. The electrical scope further encompassed fully integrated life safety and security systems, including fire alarms, smoke and fire damper wiring, disabled toilet alarms, emergency voice communication, intruder alarms, CCTV, and access control.

 

This development comes in partnership with Coleg Gwent, and industry partners, where Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council secured over £12 Million from the Welsh Government’s Tech Valleys programme and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to bring the redundant factory building back in to use and create HiVE.

 

In addition, across Blaenau Gwent and the Heads of the Valley region, primary and secondary schools will have access to HiVE and will be able to have guest lectures and demonstrations to help develop an understanding of the world of work through real world experiences and access to equipment outside of a school's often limited capability. The facility is now available to all residents across Wales and has the remit to encourage Learners and Students from under-represented groups into STEM careers.

 

Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member for Place and Regeneration at Blaenau Gwent Council commented:

 

"This is such an exciting project that has been facilitated by the council; to be able to develop a state-of-the-art education and training facility here in Blaenau Gwent in partnership with Coleg Gwent to support our business community is great news. I am sure that this will be a catalyst to create highly skilled local jobs and long-term economic growth for the area."