THE demolition of Caerleon Campus has begun.

Work to demolish the Rathmell building of the campus has begun according to social media reports – bringing Redrow Homes’ plans for flats and houses a step closer.

The campus was sold to Redrow by University of South Wales for £6.2 million and there are plans for 200 homes to be built on the site.

The main building is listed and will not be demolished, however, the popular art deco Rathmell building was not given the same status.

The campus itself first opened as Monmouthshire Training College in 1914. The Rathmell building – named after former vice principal Thomas Rathmell – opened in 1985.

The site has been used as a main filming location for Netflix’s Sex Education for the past three seasons.

Argus readers shared their memories of the campus and their time there – from students to teachers and wedding receptions.

Louise Johnston said: “Lived here and made lifelong friends for my first year at uni. We were first to move into the newly renovated halls of residence. Graduated here too, with my mother coming to see me graduate, holding on for that, then passing away just a week later. This place holds my most important memories.”

James Laurence said: “A lovely university, thoroughly enjoyed my time studying there.”

Jayne Skyrme said: “Started as a student in 2002, graduated here in 2004, worked there 2004 until 2011 and got married there in 2012. So many lovely memories.”

Christina Prendergast said: “A beautiful building. Shocked that they are demolishing it. My daughter graduated from there.”

Donna Lawrence did her PGCE at the university. She said: “I did my PGCE there and was on the front of their prospectus. So sad, such a beautiful building. I also did casual work and served at some weddings there.”

Emma Bradley said: “I worked there in 1999, loved the buildings and enjoyed my time there.”

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Colin James Gaut said: “Went to Caerleon last week for my wife’s reunion with her friends who started there 50 years ago in 1971. It’s also 50 years since I found her, my soulmate for 50 years. Great memories for me in this wonderful old building.”

David Freeman said: “Graduated with many friends there back in 2014. Such a beautiful building and a lovely campus.”

Allan Morris attended a fire at the building in the 1990s. He said: “I went to a nasty fire there in the 90’s. Could be seen for miles. Absolutely amazing how quick and how well the building and its gorgeous interior woodwork was restored.”

Carol Christie was one of the first students on the B.ed degree. She said: “Beautiful building. I was in the first cohort to start their B.ed degree there in ’75. Lots of us were mature students.”

Jazzie Fleur remembers her dad working there. She said: “My dad used to work here when it was the university, and I was a child. So many memories of being a child and running up and down the long corridors and playing hide and seek and going to the art degree show.”

Jo Brayford used to teach on the campus. She said: “Loved teaching on this beautiful campus. Great teaching staff, security staff, gardeners, canteen staff and cleaning staff. In fact, nearly everybody who worked there was friendly and happy. Graduation days were the best – so proud seeing the students walking across that stage with their gowns on and proud family members watching them. Lovely pictures on the lawns afterwards.”

Tina Jane was a student at the university. She said her favourite memory was attending the last May Ball held on the site.

Alison Durston said: “I worked here from 1998 to 2015 when it merged with Glamorgan Uni. Fabulous place, fabulous staff. We were like one big family. Will always have fond memories of the place. So sad to see it demolished.”