£10m to transform Aberystwyth University's Old College Published duration 26 July 2017

image copyright Aberystwyth University image caption The college by the sea - Aberystwyth University's original 1872 home

More than £10m has been secured to restore an iconic university college in Ceredigion.

The National Lottery support for Aberystwyth University's Old College was announced on Wednesday.

It comes as part of a £22m plan to turn the Grade I-listed building into a centre for heritage, learning and enterprise.

It is hoped the work will be completed in time for the university's 150th anniversary in 2022.

A performance and gallery space will be created for artists, exhibitions and musicians and there will be a centre for entrepreneurs and new businesses, a cafe and community rooms.

The college will also house a university museum, allowing some of the 20,000 items normally in storage to be shown.

image copyright Ray Jones/Geograph

A new science centre will showcase interactive displays alongside a planetarium and 4D facility, highlighting the university's links with the European Space Agency.

The college was bought in 1867 by the University of Wales for just £10,000, using money donated by the community.

It first opened its doors to students in 1872 - before focus shifted in the 1960s when the university moved to a new campus.

Wales Office minister Guto Bebb said the money would secure the future of the Old College, meaning it can "continue to play a vital role in the future not only of the university but the town itself".

The university is still looking at ways to raise additional funds, including a major appeal.

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake said: "This is great news for Ceredigion and will reveal the hidden history of an iconic landmark as well as paving the way for its future.