A committed group of Caerphilly residents has successfully obtained substantial funding to establish a dynamic creative and cultural centre in the town. Cynefin Caerffili CIC, in collaboration with the Trustees of Caerphilly Workmen's Hall, has been awarded £273,879 from the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns Strategic Grant. This financial support will be used to develop a comprehensive business case and explore development options aimed at preserving and revitalising the historic Caerphilly Workmen's Hall.
Vision for the Historic Building
The ambitious plans for the hall include hosting a wide variety of creative programmes and activities, all conducted in both English and Welsh. Additionally, the space will serve as a free-access community venue, ensuring inclusivity for all residents. The funding will also enable Cynefin Caerffili to continue its existing creative programming at Y Banc on Cardiff Road, where new ideas can be tested and community engagement fostered.
Current Community Impact
Y Banc already provides essential space for other creative community interest companies, such as RecRock, and has hosted numerous events. These include Cardiff Animation Nights, performances by the Caerphilly Players, concerts by the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, community gaming sessions with GoConnect, gatherings for Caerphilly Creatives, and screenings with Into Film. This demonstrates a strong foundation of local support and activity.
The Team Behind the Project
The project is driven by a dedicated team consisting of Ceri and Emlyn Davies, along with Sally Griffith, Paul Pole, and Jane Coles. Their efforts are supported by the Caerphilly Town 2035 Placemaking Plan, which is delivered by Caerphilly County Borough Council, highlighting alignment with broader town development goals.
Statements from Key Figures
Ceri Davies, director of Cynefin Caerffili CIC, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "As creators and residents, we aim to develop an arts and cultural venue that instills pride in our community. This hub will offer a place to meet, eat, create, and enjoy exceptional films and performances."
Jayne Bryant MS, cabinet secretary for housing and local government, added, "It is fantastic that through the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme, we can support Cynefin Caerffili's vision for this historic building. Projects like this, rooted in local creativity and community needs, are crucial for keeping our towns vibrant and attractive places to live, work, and visit. I was inspired by the team's vision during my visit earlier this year and look forward to seeing the completed transformation."
This initiative represents a significant step forward in enhancing Caerphilly's cultural landscape, leveraging historic assets to foster creativity and community cohesion for years to come.
