New Life For Old College

The guest speaker, Jim O\'Rourke, who, assisted by Richard Roberts, addressed the meeting about the project to transform the iconic and much-loved old University building on the Aberystwyth sea front, founded on global philanthropic giving nearly 150 years ago, into a vibrant and prestigious centre for learning, culture and enterprise in time for the University\'s 150th anniversary in 2022/23.

A former Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru and an alumnus of Aberystwyth University, Jim O\'Rourke has taken on the role of project manager.   He has worked on a number of high profile developments in Wales including the Urdd\'s role in the Wales Millenium Centre and the £6M redevelopment of Nant Gwrtheyrn, and has provided consultant support to a range of heritage organisations, charities and local authorities to develop projects, staff teams and business acumen.

Richard Roberts an M.A. in British History who learned Welsh as an adult through Aberystwyth University is part of the project team.   He is responsible for establishing significant philanthropic contributions from both alumni and friends who have established a bond with the University and want to re-imagine a new future for the building that will benefit students, families and communities in Aberystwyth, Wales and the World.

The plans for the Old College will focus on the activity and the spaces which can make the best use of the historic and complex building in its sea front location by creating easy access to the magnificent spaces:  facilitating the movement of people and goods around the building, and providing activities, events and services that will attract diverse audiences from students, the local community, tourists and visitors.   

Ultimately the plans will create an appealing and viable attraction, as well as a key University asset and a town centre facility for research and learning which reaches out to the local community and to the World.   In the Project there is a clear focus on the opportunities to bring the University closer to the local community while setting the Old College as a symbol, a well known historical image and as a home to higher education that is of global importance to the future.