Construction starts on new National Institute for Sport and Health

Daniel Bevan - Editor

Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.

Construction is set to begin on a new National Institute for Sport and Health (NISH) in Swansea, a flagship development designed to support innovation in health, sport and technology and drive regional economic growth.

Work to replace the existing pavilion at Sketty Lane is due to start in January, with full construction beginning shortly afterwards.

The 2,000 square metre, four-storey facility will be located at the entrance to Swansea Bay Sports Park.

Led by Swansea University and funded through the Swansea Bay City Deal, the project is supported by Swansea Council and local health boards.

It aims to accelerate the growth of sport tech, med tech and healthcare innovation across the Swansea Bay City Region by bringing together public, private and academic partners.

NISH is intended to act as a hub for start-ups and scale-ups, offering incubation space alongside research and development activity.

Businesses based at the site will have access to data, expertise and specialist facilities to support product development, while the institute is also expected to contribute to job creation, inward investment and improved public health outcomes.

As the anchor development for a wider Science and Innovation Park, the institute will provide a space for new technologies to be developed, tested and scaled in real-world environments.

The project’s backers say it will help address a lack of centralised sports technology infrastructure in the UK.

The new building will include co-working and collaboration space, innovation and incubation suites, a health and wellbeing academy, a sport simulation suite, teaching and media facilities, and a Vodafone hub providing on-site technical expertise.

It will also benefit from close proximity to partners and facilities including Singleton Hospital, Swansea University, elite training centres and surrounding green spaces.

Professor Keith Lloyd, director of NISH, said: “The National Institute for Sport and Health will help put Swansea – and Wales – on the global map for cutting-edge research, product development, and community health innovation. It will serve as a catalyst for discovery, investment, and improved wellbeing.”

The project is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs in the Swansea area and contribute over £150m to the regional economy by 2033. The building is scheduled to open in 2027.

NISH is now accepting applications for office space at the site, alongside virtual membership options.