COSTS of a multi-million pound redevelopment plan for the Old College in Aberystwyth have already risen by over £1m before work even begins.

Aberystwyth University is planning to regenerate one of the town’s most loved and striking buildings - with plans for the renovated building to be ready by 2022 as part of the university’s 150th anniversary.

The redevelopment of the Grade I-listed Old College will be done as part of a wider project that includes developments for the assembly rooms in nearby Laura Place and other buildings in the area.

Initially set to cost £20.6m, the university council heard at a meeting that the total project cost has already risen to £21.9m - pushing the university’s own contribution to the project higher.

The bulk of the money for the project is hoped to come from a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The University Council approved the increase in budget for the project, and a revised application to the Heritage Lottery Fund has been submitted.

Initial proposals for the New Life for Old College project include plans for a range of public and community facilities as well as research, teaching and study spaces.

The public spaces could include art and exhibition galleries, performance spaces, a university museum, tenancies and studio space for small businesses, conference and function rooms, a café and restaurant, and a shop.

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