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Former students, staff, and residents are being asked to share their memories and photographs of Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys campus as part of a project celebrating its history.

The submissions will form a commemorative mural or collage inside the redeveloped campus, preserving the stories of past learners.

Originally established in the 1960s as a technical and training hub for local coal miners, the site later expanded into a general further education college offering A-levels, vocational qualifications, and apprenticeships.

Ryan Chard, head of learner services at Crosskeys, said: “We want to ensure that future generations can connect with the site’s history.

“We would love to hear from learners and staff from every decade – including those from the early mining years – to help capture the journey of the site from its inception in the 1960s to today.”

Former student Paul Edwards, who studied A-levels at the campus in the 1980s, is now a consultant surgeon with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

Mr Edwards said: “I struggled with confidence at the time, but the tutors at Coleg Gwent gave me the support and encouragement I needed to succeed.

“Without that experience, I don’t think I would have achieved the results I needed to go on and study biochemistry and pharmacology.”

The heritage appeal comes as preliminary work begins on a multi-phase redevelopment of the campus, which has received funding through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.

The planned upgrades will include new engineering and motor vehicle workshops, an updated gym, and energy-efficient teaching spaces.

Former staff and students can submit memories, photographs, and stories through Coleg Gwent’s Facebook page, by emailing news@coleggwent.ac.uk, or by post to the campus.