Pantycelyn planning application submitted

Members of the Pantycelyn Project Board which is overseeing plans to redevelop the hall of residence for Welsh speaking students

Members of the Pantycelyn Project Board which is overseeing plans to redevelop the hall of residence for Welsh speaking students

13 July 2017

Aberystwyth University has submitted an application to Ceredigion County Council for planning permission to redevelop the historic Pantycelyn student hall of residence.

The aim is to create 200 en-suite bedrooms as well as public social spaces for use by both students and the local community.

Architects have drafted detailed plans showing how the University intends to transform Pantycelyn into first-class accommodation for Welsh-speaking students.

In drawing up their concept designs, the team of architects held meetings with students and Estates staff at the University. The widespread consultation carried out by Old Bell 3 in 2015-16 was also a key factor.   

If planning permission for the changes to the Grade 2 listed building is approved, the aim is to reopen Pantycelyn by September 2019.

“This is another important milestone in the history of Pantycelyn as we move a step closer again to reopening the building as a hall of residence,” said Gwerfyl Pierce Jones, Pro-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University and Chair of the Pantycelyn Project Board.

The concept plans will be on display in the Aberystwyth University Education Pavilion at the Royal Welsh Show (24-27 July) and at the National Eisteddfod in Anglesey (4-12 August). They can also be seen on the University’s website.

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Pro Vice Chancellor at Aberystwyth University, said: “Thousands of students have fond memories of having lived in Pantycelyn over the years and we are keen now for these plans to be seen by as many as possible. As the application for planning permission goes before the county council, the University is continuing the work of ensuring the necessary funding is in place for this ambitious project.”

The President of Aberystwyth’s Welsh Students’ Union UMCA, Gwion Llwyd, said: “UMCA’s offices have been located in Pantycelyn for decades and the hall has been an integral part of Aberystwyth’s Welsh-language life and culture for over 40 years. It’s very exciting now to see the plans for the future of the building and we look forward to seeing it reopen as a hall of residence by September 2019.”

  • Concept Plans