The Grade I listed Old College is synonymous with Welsh nation-building following its purchase by the University of Wales for just £10,000 in 1867 using money donated by the local community. It will now be saved by the people for a second time, thanks to National Lottery players.

New Life for Old College

Aiming to complete Old College’s transformation in time for the university’s 150th anniversary in 2022, work is now underway to develop plans for the building as a performance and gallery space for artists, exhibitions and musicians, a centre for entrepreneurs and new businesses, as well as café and community rooms.

It will also house a university museum, allowing some of the 20,000 items normally in storage to be shown the light of day and a new science centre will showcase cutting edge interactive displays alongside a planetarium and 4D facility, highlighting the university’s links with the European Space Agency.

Local resident and National Lottery player, Kathleen Gasela, said: “I’ve played the National Lottery for years and like everybody else enjoy imagining how I would spend the money if I won the jackpot. I’m sorry to say I haven’t become a millionaire yet, but nevertheless I am very happy to see the money being spent on worthwhile projects like this that will make real changes for what is offered within our community and make our wonderful seaside town an even better place to be!”

As well as creating new jobs, apprenticeships, work placements, training and volunteer opportunities, the revitalised Old College will also encourage graduates from the university to stay within the town and establish new businesses.