Views wanted on proposals for Maesteg Town Hall

Bridgend County Borough Council and Awen Cultural Trust are inviting people to attend drop-in sessions to view new artist illustrations and discuss plans for the redevelopment of Maesteg Town Hall.

 

The drop-in sessions will take place in Unit 10 at Maesteg Outdoor Market on the following dates:

• Saturday 18 August between 1pm to 4pm.
• Monday 20 August between 9am to 12pm.
• Tuesday 21 August between 5pm to 8pm.

Awen Cultural Trust and members of the council’s regeneration, conservation and design teams will be available along with architects to answer questions and provide information at each of the sessions.

The ambitious project aims to carry out repairs and refurbishment that will safeguard the future of the 137-year-old building while providing modern new facilities designed to enhance its position as a cultural community venue.

Examples of some of the potential new facilities that could be introduced include a glass atrium to support better access, social community space and exhibition areas, an all-new library, business support spaces, a heritage centre, meeting rooms, bar, café and function facilities.

With detailed design work about to begin, funding bids are currently being processed by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Welsh Government’s ‘Building For The Future’ programme.

Together with Awen Cultural Trust, we want to restore and refurbish the town hall and create a modern, multi-purpose arts and culture venue that will ensure the building stays open and remains at the centre of valley life.

These drop-in events are designed to demonstrate our ambitions for the iconic venue and ensure that people can view and influence the design, ask questions and find out more.

We hope to be in a position to submit a planning application in early autumn so that work can begin as soon as possible once full funding has been confirmed, and want as many people as possible to come and take part in these sessions to help us achieve this.

Councillor Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Education

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said: “The redevelopment of the iconic town hall will be one of the most ambitious regeneration projects to take place in the local area so we are committed to involving the communities of Maesteg and the Llynfi valley at every stage of the process. Last year we asked people what they thought of the initial proposals and were delighted with the response we received.

“We have used this feedback, together with the views that have been shared during our ongoing engagement with local individuals, businesses and groups, and our recent successful Ein Stori event, to further develop the vision.

“We are also interested in hearing some ideas on how we can celebrate and interpret Maesteg's rich heritage, history, stories and memories through the interior design of the building. We hope you can join us at these events to have your say and help us shape the proposed plans."

Dating back to 1881, Maesteg Town Hall was funded by local miners and designed by Henry Harris of Cardiff.

It houses a collection of work by the celebrated painter, Christopher Williams, and features a landmark clock tower that is recognised throughout the Llynfi Valley.