Cardiff Metropolitan University has agreed to buy University Hall, the student residences on Birchwood Road in Cyncoed, from Cardiff University.
The two universities announced the exchange of contracts for the site on 2 October. University Hall is currently home to more than 650 Cardiff University students.
Current residents are unaffected and will remain in their accommodation until summer 2027. Completion of the purchase will take place in July 2027, when current Cardiff University student residents reach the end of their tenancies, meaning accommodation arrangements for both universities will be unaffected this academic year.
Cardiff Met will then prepare for the arrival of its students into University Hall from September 2027.
The site is close to Cardiff Met’s Cyncoed campus, which is home to Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences, Cardiff School of Education & Social Policy and sporting facilities including the National Indoor Athletics Centre. The universities said the agreement means more students in the capital will live within walking distance of where they study.
Staff currently working for Cardiff University at the site will be consulted about a potential transfer to Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Professor Rachael Langford, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “This is a key strategic acquisition for the University and will allow us to further develop the experience for our students, particularly those whose studies are primarily based at our busy Cyncoed campus. It will mean that more of our students will be able to live a just short walk from where they study, train and socialise, and it forms part of our commitment to invest further in an excellent student experience and ensure that we can keep costs down and quality high for our students.”
She added: “We look forward to working with Cardiff University to ensure a smooth transition period and are excited to be welcoming Cardiff Metropolitan University students to University Hall in September 2027.”
Anita Edson, Cardiff University’s Director of Estates, said: “This is a win-win for both universities. It ensures that both sets of students will have access to more accommodation options closer to their place of study and allows us to focus on our city-centre campus and wider estate ambitions.”
She added: “We can assure existing residents that there is no immediate impact and we look forward to working together to ensure a smooth transition and minimal impact on staff.”
