Anger has erupted over proposals to relocate courses at the oldest university campus in Wales, located in Lampeter, approximately 20 miles away. The University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD) is considering moving its undergraduate courses to its Carmarthen campus by September 2025. This decision has sparked protests from locals, who fear the detrimental impact it could have on the town. Some students have also expressed disappointment, stating they would not have chosen Lampeter if they knew they would be relocated during their studies.
Lampeter’s university campus, founded in 1822, has a rich educational history and is renowned for its teaching of various subjects. The dwindling number of full-time students, with just 197 currently enrolled at the Lampeter campus, has prompted UWTSD to reassess its financial viability. The university reported a significant financial deficit and considers it unsustainable to continue operations at Lampeter. Despite efforts to attract more students and develop new courses, the campus is struggling to remain financially feasible.
In response to the planned relocation of courses, campaigners, including residents and alumni, have mobilised to protest against the decision. Demonstrations have taken place in Lampeter, with banners and placards advocating to “Save Lampeter campus” and preserve its educational legacy. A petition initiated by the Lampeter Society, comprising alumni, emphasises the campus’s importance in Wales’ educational and cultural history and urges UWTSD and the Welsh Government to devise a sustainable plan for its future.
Local politicians, such as Elin Jones, Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion, and Ben Lake, Member of Parliament for Ceredigion, have called on the Welsh Government to intervene and explore alternative solutions to retain the Lampeter campus. They highlight the campus’s significance to the local economy and its historical prominence as the birthplace of higher education in Wales. The government has acknowledged the financial pressures facing universities in Wales and continues to monitor the situation closely.
The fate of the Lampeter campus remains uncertain as discussions between UWTSD, the Welsh Government, and stakeholders evolve. The decision to relocate courses has sparked a grassroots movement to preserve the campus’s educational heritage and economic contribution to the town. With concerns growing over the potential closure of the university campus, calls for collaborative efforts to secure its future are intensifying. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are emphasising the need for sustainable solutions that honour Lampeter’s legacy and foster academic excellence in the region.