Austin-Smith:Lord has had a longstanding relationship with Old College and has been instrumental in the delivery of a restoration and adaptive re-use project for the building since 2012.

In 2012, Aberystwyth University engaged Austin-Smith:Lord to lead the preparation of a Feasibility Study into the adaptive reuse of the Grade 1 listed Old College building in Aberystwyth. This Study was completed in 2013.

In 2015, the University revisited the findings of that Study, reviewed the options presented and prepared an updated Business Case. Following this, the University again engaged Austin-Smith:Lord to prepare revised information describing the potential use(s) of the building in the future in support of a Heritage Lottery Funding Stage 1 Application.

Stage 1 Funding for the Development Stage was confirmed in summer 2017 and Austin-Smith:Lord joined a team led by Lawray Architects to provide Conservation Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Design services through to submission of a full Planning and Listed Building Consent Application and National Lottery heritage Fund Stage 2 Application.

Stage 2 funding was confirmed in December 2019 and Austin-Smith:Lord developed the detailed design of the Conservation, Interiors and Landscape components of the scheme.

The  Main Contractor was appointed in 2022 with the capital project due to be completed mid 2025.

As the project continues, I am enjoying the excitement amongst both academic and local communities, and the discussions within the team of experts who are working on the project – the architects, engineers, historic building experts, and business planning and heritage activity specialist.

Jim O’Rourke – Old College Project Manager