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Coleg y Cymoedd has invested more than £9m into its Ystrad Mynach campus as part of a revamp.

It includes renovations to more than 20 classrooms, a new restaurant, a painting and decorating workshop, as well as the creation of a dedicated sports centre.

It has also been used to fund the development of VR and robotic provision on the campus.

An official launch event was held at the campus this week, which was attended by local employers, as well as industry and school representatives.

They were given a tour of the campus to see the new improvements, before tucking into a three-course meal at the campus’ new and improved Scholars restaurant, which has been shortlisted for the Wales Food Awards this year.

The restaurant and catering facilities benefitted from £2m of investment, with the launch event coinciding with the campus marking 50 years since it first started teaching catering.

Former student Michael Coggan, who went on to win Channel 4’s Bake Off The Professionals, attended the event to show support for his old college.

Meanwhile, the new £2.5m sport centre has replaced the previous sport centre, and will support around 100 students each year.

Jonathan Morgan, principal at Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “Our renovations will mean our graduates finish their qualifications equipped with the skills they need to jump right into their chosen careers, whether they’ve looking to go to university, enter an apprenticeship or pursue professional sporting routes.

“Having top facilities also helps us to work with local partners and map out direct career and work experience opportunities.”