The Technical College formerly occupied various premises, none of them actually large enough for its needs, and in 1911 it was decided to build new purpose-designed accommodation in Cathays Park.[1] The foundation stone was laid in April 1914, and the new building opened on 16th March 1916 with three sides completed. It was designed by architects Jones and Thomas and built by E Turner & Sons.
The North Road wing was added in stages. The first extension, engineering workshops constituting the first floor of the North Road wing, was opened in November 1919. The second extension, the second and third floors of the new wing, was opened on December 14th 1927. The building was complete when the third extension ("the floors above the assembly hall") was opened on February 11th 1936. These events are all recorded on two wall plaques just inside the main entrance to the building.
The Technical College was the first Cathays Park building to be designed by Percy Thomas. It is now the Cardiff University Bute Building.
Sources of Information
Other sources: