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A new main contractor is being sought to build Cardiff University's £135m Innovation Campus.

It was expected, having carried out preparatory work, that Kier would proceed to the second phase main contract of building the ambitious project for the university at Maindy Park.

But now a new tendering process will have to be undertaken for the campus, which will see two new buildings, including Innovation Central, each extending to around 120,000 sq ft.

However, it is not expected to result in the university having to revise its initial aim of the Innovation Campus being ready for occupancy in 2019.

It is not clear why Kier has not proceeded to the more lucrative second contract.

Cardiff University has always focused on a value for money criteria in the delivery of major projects.

The campus is the third phase of development at Maindy Park following the Hadyn Ellis Building which opened in 2013 and the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre opened by the Queen last June.

What the campus will provide

The Institute for Compound Semiconductors - a unique UK-based translational research centre in compound semiconductor. Cardiff Catalysis Institute, featuring a state-of-the-art catalysis facility to support Cardiff’s leading research in chemical sciences. SPARK, the world’s first social science research park where academics work with private, public and third sectors to design and test solutions to societal problems. The Innovation Centre – a creative base for start-ups, working in partnership with the Medicentre, a clinical innovation incubator based at Heath Park.

A new bridge will also link the campus with Cardiff Business School.

A Cardiff University spokesperson said: “The early site works for the latest phase of Cardiff University’s Innovation Campus have been successfully completed.

"The construction tender is a two-stage process and the university is now looking at procurement options for the second stage of delivery.

"Cardiff University would like to thank Kier for its work on the first stage of the project and looks forward to opportunities to work together in future.”

A Kier spokesperson said: “We’ve successfully completed the first phase of the latest Innovation Campus development and have really enjoyed working with Cardiff University on the project.

"We wish them all the best with the completion of the second phase of this exciting development.”