A CASH boost for Aberystwyth announced in today’s Budget will help transform the old college, revitalise the promenade and create a living harbour.

Delivering the budget today, Rishi Sunak announced that £10.9 million has been granted to regenerate the old college and marina in the town as part of a UK government Levelling Up Fund.

Reacting to the announcement, Ceredigion County Council said it welcomed the news that a package of investment has been secured to revitalise Aberystwyth’s sea front area and boost Ceredigion’s local economy.

The eight-figure funding will contribute to realising Aberystwyth University’s plans to bring new life to the Old College along with revitalisng the promenade and creating what the council calls a ‘living harbour’.

The bid was put forward by Ceredigion County Council in June 2021 following input by local stakeholders and partners and it forms part of the council’s vision for boosting the economy.

Ceredigion County Council says the investment will be ‘an opportunity to kick start a programme of investments that will help improve Aberystwyth as a destination to live, visit, work and study.’

The council added: “The scheme in Aberystwyth is a comprehensive regeneration proposal for an area that has a rich cultural heritage but which has become overlooked for too long. The schemes will drive new investment to generate new opportunities and give the area a renewed confidence.

Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is a significant investment in our local economy that will help improve the long-term prospects of Aberystwyth and the town centre through ensuring investment in economic infrastructure and assets that will help drive jobs opportunities, skills, inward investment and recreation. “Thanks must go to all our partners and the local community for all their effort and support in ensuring the bid was strong, and ultimately successful.

“Along with other potential developments in the county and across Mid Wales with the emerging Mid Wales Growth Deal, there is a lot happening in Ceredigion.

“We look forward to working closely with Governments and stakeholders at all levels to realise the full potential of this investment.”

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Director of Welsh Language and External Engagement at Aberystwyth University said: “This announcement today is most welcome and is excellent news for Aberystwyth and Ceredigion.

“It is also another important step towards delivering on our vision to transform the Old College into a vibrant cultural centre with outstanding facilities for the University, the local community and visitors to the area.”

Ceredigion council says more information on the scheme will be published in due course.

A total of £121 million has been granted to 10 applications through the Levelling Up Fund today.

These are:

o £13.3 million to revitalise the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site.

o £6.9 million to redevelop the Theatr Brycheiniog Arts Centre in Brecon.

o £15.5 million to revitalise a disused section of the Montgomery Canal in North Powys.

o £16.8 million to cut a 20km path from Carmarthen to Llandeilo.

o £10.9 million to regenerate the Old College and Marina in Aberystwyth.

o £5.4 million to re-open the Muni Arts Centre in Pontypridd.

o £17.7 million to transform the 900-year-old Haverfordwest Castle into an all-weather attraction.

o £20 million to establish the Carmarthen Hwb.

o £3.6 million to build the Porth Transport Hub.

o £11.4 million to dual 1.3km of the A4119.