A North Ceredigion town of sunsets and seasonal starlings on the West coast of Wales, poets and authors have written about Aberystwyth but how do we capture the true essence of the town?

The town lies between three hills that dominate the skyline – the Iron Age hillfort Pen Dinas to the South, Constitution Hill to the North, and Penglais to the East. Facing West are two beaches, a seafront that boasts the Old College, a harbour and marina where the Rheidol and Ystwyth rivers briefly entwine, a pier, and castle ruins. The castle was once ranked amongst the greatest in Wales but most of the castle stone has long been appropriated to build local homes.

Mining for both silver and lead in the rural hinterland supported the growth of the town until the 18th and 19th centuries when the port became the main employer. The harbour was once the second busiest port in Wales.

Aberystwyth has enjoyed popularity as a sea-side resort since the late 19th century and a major tourism consultation a couple of decades ago described Aberystwyth as ‘a quintessentially Welsh seaside town’ and whilst this is true, Aberystwyth and the wider area is more than that.

Its Welsh identity is obviously of great importance, as evidenced clearly by participants in the consultation to develop this Place Plan, that Aberystwyth should protect and develop its identity as a Welsh town both in terms of the language and culture. In fact, the town has been described as the cultural heart of Wales and its identity is supported by a rural hinterland, featuring a wealth of family run farms and rural communities, that also contributes to the richness of the local economy as well as the health and well-being of residents.The national institutions located here, such as Aberystwyth University and the National Library, provide employment whilst protecting our history, language and culture. Aberystwyth University in particular has also encouraged a young and cosmopolitan element to the town.

Iconic buildings such as the Old College, the National Library and much-loved churches, period shops and housing add a richness to the local architecture which residents are keen to preserve whilst at the same time accepting that sensitive adaptation can suit modern needs.

To the people who live here, Aberystwyth and the wider area is unique, and it is protecting this uniqueness and quality in all aspects that will ensure sustainable economic success in the future.