The Old Library

We’re transforming Cardiff’s much-loved Old Library into a dynamic new cultural and educational hub at the heart of the city. Thanks to a £2 million legacy gift from The Foyle Foundation, alongside support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund and the Digarbon loan fund delivered by Salix, the College has now secured all funding for Phase One of the redevelopment.

About the Old Library

The redevelopment will create new music and performance spaces, celebrate and promote the Welsh language, and provide a welcoming, accessible ‘city living room’ for everyone to enjoy. The ambitious plans approved promise to nurture the most diverse range of talents and combine innovation with Wales’ cultural heritage.

The Foyle Foundation Legacy

The generosity of The Foyle Foundation has played a vital role in making this transformation possible. In recognition of their £2 million legacy gift, three key public areas of the redeveloped Old Library will bear their name:

The Foyle Steps – broad, accessible steps leading from The Hayes into the building.
The Foyle Foyer – a welcoming new entrance space for community and student activity.
The Foyle Stages – outdoor platforms for free public performances and creative events.

The legacy grant to the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama brings Cardiff’s Old Library back into public use to provide much needed additional facilities for the national conservatoire of Wales and creates a valuable community asset in the heart of Cardiff.
David HallChief Executive, The Foyle Foundation

Building a new home for the arts

Phase one will complete in Summer 2026 and includes:

Major improvements to access and public approach, replacing the current glass porch with open steps and ramps
A new multi-purpose foyer for public exhibitions and performances.
The creation of a 250-seat venue, the Sir Howard Stringer Studio, hosting performances by RWCMD students and guest artists.
Sustainability upgrades, including carbon-reducing glazing and restoration of original windows.
This work will affect only the College areas of the building. Menter Caerdydd and The Museum of Cardiff will remain open throughout construction, with access via Trinity Street.

'As the National Conservatoire of Wales we want to spark curiosity and nurture the most diverse range of talents, combining innovation with cultural tradition with Welsh heritage. It is a real thrill to have this opportunity to bring the magic of the College right into the heart of Wales’ capital city, and work alongside local people, artists and creatives to transform our plans into a reality.

Breathing new life into the Old Library is part of the RWCMD promise to Wales, its capital and to our future generations. Over the coming years, we’ll aim to offer a range of inspiring activities and creative experiences at the Old Library and we’d love to explore ideas for future collaborative projects with organisations and artists interested in sharing this opportunity. We’re also looking forward to working with Cardiff Council to return the building to its roots of education and community in the City of Music.'
Professor Helena GauntPrincipal of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama