St David’s College is excited to announce the official opening and naming of the Archbishop George Stack Centre for Learning.

The evening was well attended by many of those who played a role in the creation of the new building. Architect Gary Loo from Chapter 3 Architects and Julian Davies, Commercial Director of Andrew Scotts Ltd attended, with a special mention to Sonia Hesketh, who project managed the build for St Davids College.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Welsh Government, whose funding and support have been widely appreciated by the community of the college.

The building was funded by The Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which is a long-term investment programme for schools and colleges to develop them as hubs and reduce buildings in poor condition. The Sustainable Communities for Learning funded over £7m of the project.

This new facility represents a significant advancement for the college, introducing a wide range of modern amenities designed to enhance learners’ learning experience.

The Archbishop George Stack Centre for Learning has eight modern classrooms, each equipped with the latest technology. In addition, the building houses an upgraded computer room within the Learning Resource Centre, ensuring that students have access to top-tier facilities for their academic needs.

Archbishop George Stack has always passionately advocated for education, commonly calling St David’s College “the jewel in the crown of Catholic education”. On the evening he spoke specifically of the need to advance the ‘whole person’ and provide for the poor.

The Chair of Governors also announced the official opening of the new Mark Leighfield Lecture Theatre, a state-of-the-art space capable of seating 75 or more, that will host lectures and academic events, further enriching the educational environment.

Mark Leighfield announced his retirement in April 2024, after having been the Principal of the College for 24 years. During an emotional speech, Mark acknowledged that during his time at St David’s, he never achieved anything on his own; it was always the community of St David’s that made it the place it is today.

A standout feature of the new centre is the Atrium, a welcoming space where students can relax or study during their free time. Outdoor social spaces also provide areas for learners to unwind or strengthen friendships in our College community.

The Archbishop George Stack Centre will house six curriculum areas: Psychology, Sociology, History, Politics, Law, and Criminology. Additionally, the Learner Support Centre and Honours Programme are located within the building, providing learners easy access to essential resources.

This project is an exciting milestone for St David’s College, as we look to the future of the College and continue to expand the way we provide for young learners.