Powerhouse Funding Success
Major funding bids to plan the restoration of the historic Powerhouse building in Llwynypia have proved a success.
The Powerhouse Trust will receive more than £65,000 as part of the ongoing project to transform the disused landmark building into a major multi-purpose centre for the economic benefit of the entire area.
The funding will be used to draw-up detailed architectural drawings, a business plan and costings, and a conservation plan. These details will be used in the future to support major funding applications required to pay for the full restoration.
A total of £44,400 has been earmarked from the Heritage Lottery Fund with a further £21,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government. The funds will be used to carry out the detailed works on the site in line with a previous feasibility study, which showed that the restoration is economically viable.
FUNDING SUCCESS: Powerhouse Trustees David Birch Cllr Sylvia Jones, David Lewis, John Cooke, Diane and Idris Morgan and Julie Atkins
Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the Powerhouse, which had played a key role in the industrial history of the area in the 19th and 20th centuries, had the potential to play an important role in the community in the 21st century.
“The funding from the Assembly Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund will help finance the next stage in the plan to give this landmark building a new lease of life.The project is well supported by the local community and is creating tremendous interest because of its historical connections and the potential benefits it could create for the town.”
The Glamorgan Colliery Powerhouse building was a key location at the centre of the famed Tonypandy Riots of 1910 when miners came out in protest against wages and conditions.
Two years ago an active body known as the Rhondda Powerhouse Trust was established to develop a plan on how best to utilize the site. And with the support of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council their ambitious plans are gradually becoming a reality.
The Trust consists of nine trustees, including Leighton Andrews AM and Chris Bryant MP, with county borough council officer support. They have also received the support of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Economy and Transport Department, the Association of Preservation Trust (Wales) and the Architectural Heritage Fund.
To date they have already commissioned a feasibility study identifying a mixed use for the historic building. This proposes to include space for businesses, voluntary sector organisations and social enterprises and aspirations are to commence the restoration of the building to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the Tonypandy riots in 2010.
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Councillor Sylvia Jones said: “I am delighted to hear of the news regarding the successful applications for funding from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund. I congratulate everyone involved for their outstanding commitment to the future of this historic building and hope their goals will be achieved.
“The Powerhouse building has an important role to play in the history of not just Rhondda Cynon Taf but in the history of the entire mining industry because of the outcome of the Tonypandy Riots almost a century ago.
“Almost a hundred years later and we can see how this Powerhouse can again change the lives of the local communities in this area because of the ambitious plans being put forward for its future use.”
Friends of the Powerhouse will meet on Wednesday April 2nd at 7pm in the Rhondda Sea Cadets Unit on Llwynypia Road. Anyone interested in the ongoing work being carried out by the Trustees on this historic site are welcome to attend.
Cynnwys wedi’i awdurdodi gan: Marketing & Communications Team
Adolygwyd ar: 8/2/2008