Aberystwyth University pauses £43m Old College upgrade

Plans to turn the first home of the University of Wales into a tourist destination in a £43m renovation including a four-star hotel and museum have been paused.

Aberystwyth University said it was reviewing rising costs to make its Grade I listed Old College building safe and weatherproof with the restoration of 664 window frames and 20,000 slates.

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

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.

"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.

"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," the university said.

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.