Plans for a major restoration project and new Arts and Creative Industries Centre at the Old Town Hall in Merthyr Tydfil have been given a big boost with the announcement of a funding package worth £6m.
The Welsh Assembly Government agreed £4m of funding for the project last week and today the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a First Round Pass* of £2m. These will be major contributions to the £8 million funding package proposed for the refurbishment project, which also includes a £100,000 contribution from CADW and funding from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
The HLF first-round pass* means Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association (MTHA), who owns the building, can now progress to the next stage of the HLF application process and submit more detailed plans to see the £2 million of HLF support rolled out.
Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association is working with Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre to develop plans to restore the 112 year old building so it can be used as a vibrant arts and creative industries centre for the community as well as a social focal point for the town. Chapter will operate the building after completion and will work closely with Soar Chapel, the Welsh language and community facility and the Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute project to encourage public access to the arts and lifelong learning.
When the works are completed the refurbished building will have over 2500 square metres of floor space, including offices, rehearsal spaces, studios and work spaces for visual, performing arts and media. It will accommodate events such as music concerts, theatre and dance performances and exhibitions.
Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration Jocelyn Davies, AM said:
“This is great news for the people of Merthyr and an excellent example of how regeneration is about so much more than bricks and mortar.
“The refurbishment project will provide job and training opportunities as well as improving the appearance of the town and the Arts Centre will provide the space for the community to come together to experience something new, to learn new skills or meet new friends.
“It’s also an excellent example of organisations working together for the good of the community and I wish Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association and Chapter the very best of luck with their joint venture.”
Dan Clayton Jones, Chair of HLF in Wales, said:
“This project aims to restore the Grade II Old Town Hall and return it to the heart of the community as a much needed focal point. Local people are expected to play an important part in the development of the centre with great opportunities for volunteers of all ages to get involved in researching the story of the building, and oral history projects to share Merthyr’s heritage with visitors to the area.
“What’s more the project will compliment the proposals for the Pontmorlais Townscape Heritage Initiative. We have awarded a Round One pass to the Old Town Hall project in recognition of the potential difference it could make to Merthyr and the surrounding area, making it a better place to live, work and visit.”
Karen Dusgate, Chief Executive of Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association, said:
“We are celebrating because these vital funding announcements mean we should be able to start work on the £8m restoration of the Old Town Hall soon.
“This is exciting news for people in Merthyr because the new Arts and Creative Industries Centre is a community project right at the heart of the plans for the regeneration of the town centre. As a local, community-based organisation, we are proud to be working closely with Chapter, Soar and the Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute project.”
Janek Alexander, Director of Chapter said:
“The Old Town Hall stands in the centre of Merthyr Tydfil and is a testament to its proud and unique industrial heritage. Now a major change is underway again and Chapter is looking forward to playing a key role in that change. Our centre in Cardiff also started as a semi derelict, old building but now attracts over 750,000 visitors a year. It’s a vibrant hub for the local community and artists set around a welcoming social space and Merthyr Old Town Hall deserves the same success.”
Councilor Jeff Edwards, Leader of the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said:
“The restoration of the iconic Old Town Hall building is a watershed in the regeneration of the town centre. We are delighted that the Council has been able to help win this essential funding. Now we are looking forward to a successful partnership with the Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association and Chapter that will energise creative arts and media right across the Heads of the Valleys.”
