Phase 1 of the Crosskeys campus development comprises the new build of a three storey teaching block, with connecting ancillary sports hall and a performing arts building, which will house drama theatres and music rooms with high acoustic performance. The facility will feature an advanced building management system that will enable temperature, window and security camera control to be operated remotely from Coleg Gwent headquarters via a laptop with internet connection.

The building will achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating, utilise a minimum of 15 per cent recycled materials in the construction and achieve a Considerate Constructors Scheme score of above 32—all requirements of the Welsh Assembly Government, which is providing funding. Environmentally sustainable features include natural ventilation and use of the mass concrete frame to minimise short term temperature fluctuations, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, roof terrace planters, biomass boilers and cycling provision. Future proofing measures, such as increased pipe and cabling sizes and increased underground pipework, are being implemented to reduce the impact of future development or construction phases on the live running of the Phase 1 facilities.