ABERYSTWYTH University said it remains committed to multi-million pound plans to renovate the historic Old College despite the project being turned down for lottery funding.

Plans to redevelop the Old College have been mooted for several years, with a firm plan for the Grade I listed building on Aberystwyth seafront now in place.

Aberystwyth University Council, at its meeting last Wednesday “reaffirmed its intention to redevelop the Old College” and submit a fresh application to the Heritage Lottery Fund in December.

The project, likely to cost around £15m, is planned to be officially opened in 2022 as the university marks 150 years.

HLF rejected a bid for funding for the stage one development of the project at the end of April.

Louise Jagger, director of development and alumni relations at Aberystwyth University said: “We always knew it was a highly competitive first round and are therefore determined to keep up the momentum for this excellent project and provide a fantastic facility for showcasing learning, research and enterprise opportunities that will inspire users and visitors and boost the economy.

“From what we understand, the project was well received and the outcome was more to do with having to take decisions on more projects than the available budget would allow.

“It’s often the case that projects that are ultimately successful need to be re-submitted in response to feedback.”

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