A major refurbishment project at the Royal International Pavilion in Llangollen is expected to begin this month.
The project includes the replacement of the canvass roof, extension to the arena and internal improvements to the hall and conference/meeting facilities. Improvements will also be carried out on the car park.
This £1.6 million scheme has been funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and Denbighshire County Council, and Wynne Construction, based in Bodelwyddan, has been appointed to carry out the work.
The Mayor of Llangollen, Cllr. Mike Pugh welcomed the investment into the area, especially the additional car parking capacity that would become available as part of this project, thus helping to ease Llangollen’s peak season car parking problems.
The Pavilion has an all -year programme of events and activities and is also home to the world renowned Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
The last event prior to the refurbishment works took place in the Pavilion in December before it closed for the maintenance works. Any event scheduled for the first few months of 2010 have been relocated to other venues around the town.
The Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said: “This is a significant capital investment by the Welsh Assembly Government and Denbighshire Council in the Eisteddfod Pavilion at Llangollen. I look forward to watching the refurbishment progress, as it promises to be of wider benefit, not only to the town itself but also to the local area more broadly. The pavilion has been the site of some memorable arts performances in the past, and this refurbishment will be based on high-quality design that will ensure that the International Eisteddfod will continue to hold its important place in the Welsh arts calendar for years to come.”
Councillor David Thomas, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, said: “The Pavilion has a good reputation locally and regionally for its first class facilities and events.
What we want to make sure is that the building is first class and that this exciting development at the Pavilion will encourage even more people to come and see what’s on offer.
“We are grateful for the co-operation of event organisers who had originally planned to host events at the Pavilion over the winter months. We have found new venues for the events and we are also providing some marketing assistance and informing people about the change of venues.
“I look forward to seeing the newly refurbished Pavilion and welcoming people back to this well established venue.”
