Plans to restore one of Wales’ most important Jewish heritage sites have moved a step closer after receiving grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.
The £6m project will transform Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue into a Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre celebrating the history of Jewish communities across Wales.
Visitors will be able to learn about the community’s impact through a programme of activities and events. The centre is also expected to strengthen Merthyr Tydfil’s visitor offer and provide much-needed cultural facilities.
On Friday 14 August, Vikki Howells MS joined representatives from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and the building’s owners to meet families with strong connections to the synagogue.
Anna Williams-Price, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Heritage Champion, said: “We are delighted to see this project progress and learn about the exciting plans for the building. Much of Welsh Jewish heritage is at risk of being lost, so this project is very important in educating us about the community’s valuable contribution to cultural, political, academic, economic and social development.
“It was wonderful to meet with the families today to learn about their recollections of this impressive building and what it means to them to see if brought back to its former glory.”
Plans for the transformation are well underway, with physical work on the Grade II listed building due to begin in 2027.
The Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre is expected to open in autumn 2028.
