Aberystwyth University pauses £53m Old College upgrade

Plans to turn the first home of the University of Wales into a cultural hub in a £53m renovation including a four-star hotel and museum have been paused.

Aberystwyth University is making its Grade 1 listed Old College building weatherproof while a review is taking place.

"The review will consider future costs, funding and the most appropriate timeline for the remaining work," it said.

BBC Wales understands a further £24m is needed on top of the initial cost in order to complete the work.

The first phase of the project was to include a science exhibition, business units and 10 function rooms in what the university hoped would create 130 jobs and draw 200,000 visitors a year.

The work included the restoration of 664 window frames and 20,000 slates.

"We remain firmly committed to the Old College project's long-term outcomes," the university said.

The project was announced in 2023 as a "major cultural and creative centre for Wales" with an atrium behind the Victorian university building's housing 143 rooms across seven floors and new lifts to ensure access to all parts of the building.

Aberystwyth Mayor, Emlyn Jones, said he was disappointed to hear about the delay.

"We've been waiting for a long time for the project, understanding that it is a complex project for a very old building.

"We were understanding that over the next year or so we'd be hearing about an opening day so at this late stage its surprising but something we want to make sure that we get right. Making sure that the university is stable and committed to the project is vastly important to us.

"It's too important to never be completed. It can be a shining diamond again into the cultural life of Wales".

In a statement an Aberystwyth University spokesman said: "Given the rise in projected costs, it is prudent to take a considered approach to ensure that the Old College project is completed in a way that delivers lasting benefits for our university, town and Wales."

Work to make the building safe revealed more about a fire on 8 July 1885 that destroyed much of the original Old College building.

Archaeologists found remnants of a fire started in a chemistry laboratory, including a damaged Bunsen burner, a small stove and a number of glass bottles.

The university thanked staff, funders, partners and stakeholders for helping to "drive significant progress".

It had estimated the project would contribute up to £14.5m annually to the local economy.

"We will continue to engage closely with all those involved throughout the review and provide further updates as appropriate," it added.