April 2024

Welcome to the latest progress update on our ambitious plans to breathe new life into the home of university education in Wales, Aberystwyth’s Old College.

Construction work on new entrance set to get underway

We are delighted to report that work will shortly get underway on the new atrium that will provide a stunning new entrance to the Old College. Extending over seven floors and providing access to everyone to all levels, the atrium will unlock the vast potential of the Old College for the first time. It will also feature a new glass fronted 200-seater function room offering stunning views over Cardigan Bay. 

•    Read more here 

A new floor for the Quad

The Quad - the beating heart of the Old College for nearly 140 years - has a new floor after surveys revealed that the original, made of concrete mixed with broken bricks and even coal dust, needed strengthening. 

The work uncovered remains of the fire that ravaged the building in July 1885. We expect to find more as the work on the new exhibition galleries progresses.

•    Read more here

The great fire of 1885

According to reports at the time, the fire was caused by “spontaneous combustion amongst the cotton waste used in cleaning up after the chemical experiments in the laboratory department”. It gutted the north wing of the Old College and caused the deaths of three local men. The events of the night of the fire and the week that followed were reported at length in The Cambrian News and Meirionethshire Standard on 17 July 1885.

•    Read more here

Establishing a brand for the Old College

Award winning creative studio Elfen has been commissioned to look at the values our project represents as well as ideas for the brand identity. Introductory workshops have been held with staff and Elfen would now like to extend this work and invite you to contribute to the next stage of this work by completing the questionnaire via the link below.

•    Elfen Old College questionnaire 

Remarkable 3D images

Before work started the interiors of the Old College and the Cambria were captured as 3D scans by AMP Digital. To take a walk around, click on the links below. We’re sure you will agree, these images are quite something.

•    The Old College (North)
•    The Old College (South)
•    The Cambria

A fascinating building with a fascinating history

From the days of Castle House to the present day, the story of the Old College is one of renewal and development. Elgan Philip Davies explains that the early plans took an unexpected turn. 

•    The Old College: a fascinating building with a fascinating history

The Old College plans

As construction work presses ahead and our vision for this remarkable building begins to be realised, you can learn more about the plans for this exciting project in our updated Old College Lookbook.

•    Read more here

The Old College Appeal

The Old College Appeal is one of the most successful fundraising campaigns in the history of Aberystwyth University, with over £30m raised to date. However, there is still a way to go before we can realise this landmark project.

•    Find out more about how you can support the Old College appeal
•    The projects principal funders and partners are featured in the Old College Lookbook

Keeping you updated

We very much hope you find this update of interest. 

Many thanks for your continued support,

The Old College Project Team