Pantycelyn

21 May 2015

Aberystwyth University has always agreed and has ensured that there must be dedicated accommodation for Welsh speaking students in the University.

Over the past 12 months the University has been working with student representatives to develop proposals for the long term re-development of Pantycelyn. The Working Group’s report outlines a number of options for Pantycelyn to be renovated, including primarily as student accommodation. The report also recognises that all long term options require comprehensive redevelopment and significant investment.

The report will be considered by the University’s Finance and Strategy Committee on Friday 22 May with recommendations made for consideration by the University’s Council.

The Committee will consider the recommendations and arguments made in the report against the background of existing provision, demand, cost and quality of all the accommodation to be provided by the University.

In view of the need for significant long term investment and additional short term expenditure for its continued use as accommodation beyond June 2015, the Committee will also consider a proposal not to offer Pantycelyn as a student residence from September 2015, and will consider alternative uses for Pantycelyn from September 2015, which would crucially involve activities relevant to Welsh language and culture.

If the proposal not to continue to use the Hall as a student residence beyond the end of term is approved, the University will work with UMCA and student representatives to provide suitable alternative accommodation for September 2015.

In the meantime, the University will be meeting with members of UMCA later today to discuss the proposals.

Accommodation

Aberystwyth University guarantees accommodation for all first year students. Students who have indicated that they wish to stay in Pantycelyn for the 2015/16 academic year will be offered alternative University accommodation, should Pantycelyn not be available.

Returning students who have indicated that they wish to stay in Pantycelyn for the 2015/16 Academic Year will be offered alternative University accommodation, should Pantycelyn not be available.