Capel Rhondda, a Grade II-listed chapel in Hopkinstown, Rhondda Cynon Taf, which was saved earlier this summer by the local community is now turning its sights towards the future.
Following the chapel’s closure in December 2024 due to a dwindling congregation, it was listed for £47,500 by the Baptist Union of Wales. In response, an online crowdfunder was started by local residents, led by Rhian Hopkins, to ensure that the chapel stayed in local hands rather than falling to developers. The fundraiser received donations from across Wales and the world.
The community plan to develop the site into a thriving community hub whilst keeping local and national heritage at its heart. To support this vision, a Board of Directors has been appointed to lead the development.
The Board has now teamed up with Cardiff Metropolitan University. The second year Interior Architecture students used their skills to bring fresh ideas forward for the chapel’s future whilst further developing their own skills.
A collaborative design day was recently held which saw the students present their design work to members of the newly appointed Capel Rhondda Board of Directors in order to develop plans and help people to understand the extent of the possibilities for the space.
Colin Lewis, Chair of the Capel Rhondda Board of Directors, said:
“We are excited to be working with Cardiff Met Interior Design students. Their inspirational thinking has been invaluable as we develop plans for Capel Rhondda’s future.”
Holly Rees, an Interior Design student at Cardiff Met, added:
“I have loved working on this project. From the outset, I wanted to ensure Welsh heritage was embedded in it. Being from Wales, I am very proud of my country and its history; and I am proud of how this project captures its spirit”
This has been a hugely successful partnership so far and has laid the foundation for future collaborative efforts between the Board, the community and other potential partners as the Capel Rhondda team look to their next steps. From the outset, the Board of Directors has been focussed on keeping the local community front and centre of Capel Rhondda’s future.
The next phase will see a series of community conversation events taking place in early 2026 and will make sure the project’s potential is maximised whilst also securing the long-term future of one of Wales’ important pieces of heritage. Whilst the successful crowdfunding campaign secured Capel Rhondda’s future in the short term, the Board of Directors has emphasised that continued financial support and community involvement will be vital to realising its long-term potential. The Board are encouraging individuals, businesses and community groups to get involved to help ensure that Capel Rhondda can become a sustainable and vibrant community hub.
Fellow Capel Rhondda board member and Senior Lecturer in Architecture at Cardiff Metropolitan University Matthew Thomas commented:
“The creative energy and expertise brought to this project by the Interior Architecture students from Cardiff Met has been fantastic. I’m really excited about how this can help spark even more collaboration across our community in the months and years ahead.”
