Morgan Sindall has started work on the South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub (SWITCH).

The £28m research facility is designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of the steel and metals sector on a brownfield site at Port Talbot’s Harbourside.

Morgan Sindall was first instructed under a design and build deal in 2023.

SWITCH Harbourside, will be a purpose built, open access research hub supporting innovation across academics, industry and government.

Its focus will help sectors such as steel and metals with their decarbonisation processes, helping develop circular economy models and create advanced materials for a net zero society.

Inside, the building will include workshop and welding areas, specialist mechanical testing zones, laboratories and a modern office space for the staffing group.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “The UK Government is investing well over £100 million in Port Talbot to help develop the industries of the future like clean steelmaking, offshore wind power generation and research and development.

“The progress of the SWITCH project is a step forward in these aims as we work to create jobs and growth in the town and right across Wales.”