Demolition starts at campus where Sex Education is filmed

The site, which was sold by the University of South Wales to Redrow Homes for £6.2 million is subject to a large scale plan, which would see more than 200 homes built on the edge of Newport.

In recent months, planning hurdles have been passed, leading the way for the next step in the process – the demolition of existing buildings.

Pictures shared on social media today (Tuesday, October 5), show that demolition work has already begun at the site.

It appears as though large chunks of the Rathmell Building have already been demolished – with crews remaining on site to continue this work.

Demolition work has started at the Rathmell Building

The former arts and design building, it opened in 1985, and was unique in that it made use of steel and glass – making for a striking sight on the edge of the campus.

However, as part of the redevelopment plans, the building, named after former vice-principal Thomas Rathmell, was not granted listed status – unlike the more well known parts of the campus.

First opened as a teaching college in 1914, and then called Monmouthshire Training College, its main building has been seen by millions of people – and fairly recently too.

With the site no longer an active teaching site, the building has been used as a principal filming location for hit Netflix programme Sex Education.

The third season of the hit show recently aired, to critical acclaim – and many of the scenes were filmed across South Wales, including those at Caerleon campus.

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How did we get here?

In 2016, the University of Wales, Newport, and the University of Glamorgan merged, creating the University of South Wales.

But, as part of this union, the Caerleon campus closed its doors.

Following the closure, the site has been used by production Eleven Films, and since 2018, Sex Education has been filmed here.

The main building frontage is set to be retained

In the background, longer term discussions have been underway to find a long term plan for the site.

Two years ago, the sale to Redrow Homes was confirmed, and despite objections by local residents, plans to build 220 homes here were given the green light.

According to planning documents, the Edwardian main building, which is listed, will be incorporated into the scheme.

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It is thought that the main building will be converted into apartment buildings, with the historic frontage retained.

But, with Sex Education having been renewed for a fourth series, it is unclear what the future holds for the site as a filming location.