December 2023

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

Restoration work under way

In June of this year, restoration work on the project began in earnest and excellent progress has been made revealing original features in the historic building following the removal of additions made in the 1960s. 

• Read more here.

The Council Chamber (left) after changes made in the 1960s were removed, and (right) how the new Centre for Dialogue will look once it has been completed.

Work is also underway to redevelop St Michael’s Church car park, which will provide parking spaces for guests staying in the Old College’s 4* hotel accommodation. 

• 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. 

Over £4m has been raised from trusts, foundations and individuals, and new donations continue to roll in. 

The project has attracted over £30m support from funders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Welsh Government, the European Regional Development Fund, the Coastal Communities Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund and UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

• Read more about the Appeal and donor recognition here.
• The projects principal funders and partners are featured in the Old College Lookbook.

Joy Welch in 1943 (left) and in 1998 (right) when she was honoured as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University.

Old College to honour Enigma code-breaker

In October, we were delighted to announce that the Joy Welch Educational Charitable Trust had contributed £170,000 towards the project in memory of one of our graduates who contributed to breaking the Enigma code during WWII. The money will go towards the Joy Welch Seminar Room in Old College.

• Read more here

Voysey Mosaic

One of the most distinctive features of the Old College is the mosaic which faces the castle. Featuring an image thought to represent the Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer and astronomer Archimedes, and produced by London based artist C A F Voysey, the work has been studied by Aberystwyth artist Alison Pierse.

• Read more here.

Media coverage

The project received extensive coverage on BBC Wales on TV, radio and online in October, with contributions from main contractor Andrew Scott Ltd, roofing specialists Greenough and Sons and heritage carpenter Gary Davies who is working on the restoration of the building’s windows. You can read two of the online versions below:

• BBC Wales Online: Aberystwyth: Hotel and museum plan to rejuvenate Old College.
• BBC Cymru Fyw: Datgelu hanes wrth adnewyddu Hen Goleg Aberystwyth.

Keeping you updated

We very much hope you find this update of interest. 

Many thanks for your continued support,

The Old College Project Team