New life for Old College

The Old College

Aberystwyth University has announced that it is inviting tenders for the work of completing a feasibility study for the redevelopment of the Old College.

The study will also include University properties at 1, 9 and 10 Laura Place, which includes the Joseph Parry Hall, and Numbers 1 and 2 Marine Terrace, which for many years housed the University’s Medical Centre.

Amongst the ideas proposed is the development of a ‘cultural quarter’ based around the Old College, a Postgraduate Centre providing world-class teaching, learning and study spaces, an art gallery, and lecturing and performance facilities.

The feasibility study represents an investment of £60,000 with half being funded by the Welsh Government’s Aberystwyth Regeneration Area Fund and half by the University.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor April McMahon said: “Research consistently shows that Aberystwyth University is recognised as one of the best locations to study for undergraduates.”

“We want to build on that and develop a world class postgraduate centre. However, the Old College should have a community focus as well as an academic one. We want to provide a resource for residents and visitors as well as students and staff. Our vision is for state-of-the-art learning facilities, exhibition space, a University shop and a first point of contact for local businesses– truly bringing the town and gown together in a new cultural quarter”

The Welsh Government Regeneration Minister Huw Lewis has welcomed the announcement: “The Old College is an iconic building in Aberystwyth and resonates with present and past students of the University. Its location in the centre of the town can provide a focal point to the area’s regeneration and the potential ideas put forward sound extremely exciting.”

The final feasibility study is expected to be presented to the University in March 2013.

Aberystwyth has been identified as a Regeneration Area by the Welsh Government and up to £10.3 million has been made available to invest.
Further information can be found at www.wales.gov.uk/regeneration

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