Aberystwyth Uni backs £12m for Pantycelyn halls revamp

Pantycelyn has traditionally been home to Welsh-speaking students

Aberystwyth University has approved a £12m funding package to redevelop its Welsh language halls.

The plan will create 200 en-suite bedrooms at Pantycelyn and public spaces for community and student use.

The university will resubmit its application to Ceredigion council following a request to include a sprinkler system.

Vice-chancellor Elizabeth Treasure said it would be an "investment in the future of Welsh-speaking students".

The halls have been closed since 2015.

University council members met on Monday and agreed the £12m to allow the refurbishment to proceed. The university hopes to re-open the halls by September 2019.

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, chancellor and chair of council at the university, said: "Today's decision reflects this university's long-standing commitment to the Welsh language and culture."

Students protested when the halls were closed in 2015

Welsh Government has also earmarked £5m for the project as part of its 21st Century schools and education programme.

Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said: "Pantycelyn has a long and distinguished history and I'm pleased that plans are in place to reopen the halls by 2019.

Gwion Llwyd, the president of UMCA, the university's Welsh students' union, said: "UMCA has been calling for investment in the refurbishment of Pantycelyn so we are very pleased with the decision made by council today.

"We look forward to working with the university to ensure first-class facilities at Pantycelyn and to further develop the Welsh-medium provision for Aber students."

There were protests from students when the closure of the Grade II-listed halls was first proposed.