In a meeting of Council last week (12 March), elected members agreed a £4m injection of funds from Welsh Government to allow the crucial next phase in the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl’s redevelopment project to go ahead.
Funding has been secured as part of the new joint working agreement between the council and Welsh Government which has allowed the local authority to invest additional finance into the regeneration programme for Porthcawl, and support specific projects, such as the redevelopment of the Grand Pavilion.
The approval of the funds will enable the next phase of the redevelopment works to begin on the iconic, Grade II listed building, and the process for approving a bid for the main contractual building works can be agreed.
The iconic building was granted £18m of funding from the UK Government to redevelop and preserve the treasured landmark following a successful bid by the council and its partners, Awen Cultural Trust.
Following a lengthy public consultation process, the final plans feature the conservation and repair of the some of the building’s iconic Art Deco features including the clock tower and stained-glass windows, alongside new extensions including a glazed, roof top pavilion with views out towards the Bristol channel, a passenger lift, auditorium, gallery, toilet facilities and supporting back of house areas.
The plans also include a sensitive restoration of the building’s original domed roof, with new insulation, and reinstating the original, unique marine-styled weathervane.
“This is exciting news for the Grand Pavilion project. We have already made huge strides in the programme, with the initial preparatory works, including internal strip out of the building, now complete. These works were essential in identifying and addressing any structural issues prior to the main building works starting. “Thanks to our partnership with Welsh Government on the wider regeneration of Porthcawl Waterfront area, securing this funding, means we can plough ahead with main build and progress with our plans to give this history-rich building a new lease of life. “Our next steps will focus on working proactively with our partners at Awen Cultural Trust on securing the funds required for the internal fit out of the building, which will complete the redevelopment project and allow us to reopen this fantastic arts and cultural venue for the benefit of the local community once more.”
“As a registered charity, Awen Cultural Trust has an excellent track record of fundraising and successfully delivering funded projects with demonstrable social impact. “We have a challenging fundraising target ahead of us, but we will be working in close partnership with colleagues at Bridgend County Borough Council to achieve it. Our ambition remains as it always has, to reopen the Grand Pavilion with the high-quality specification expected by the local community and fit-for-purpose for generations to come. We will be launching our fundraising campaigns over the coming months and thank everyone in advance for their support.”
Awen Cultural Trust are continuing to entertain audiences during the redevelopment period with a programme of ‘pop-up Pavilion’ events at the Awel-y-Mor Community Centre, Porthcawl and in other community venues. These monthly events will include jazz, comedy nights, tea dance, cinema, lunchtime theatre and family shows.
