As the first phase of work to repair, restore and extend Maesteg Town Hall nears completion, contractors Knox and Wells are preparing to start on the building’s new atrium extension.
A footpath closure is in place to ensure that necessary groundworks can be set up safely in preparation for the work, and visitors to the adjacent market are likely to see increased activity in the courtyard area.
Council Leader Huw David and members of the Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council made a recent site visit to the town hall to see for themselves how the £7.9m project is making strong progress despite the difficulties imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
On the roof of the iconic valley building, new natural slates are being laid and three decorative cupolas – which form part of the town hall’s ventilation system – have been fully restored and weatherproofed using sustainably-sourced hardwood.
Restoration is underway on the clock tower’s faces and mouldings, new fascias and soffits have been installed, and gable end coping stones have been repaired.
Inside the old market hall, a new concrete floor has been poured, and multiple layers of paint have been removed from walls to reveal the building’s original impressive craftsmanship.
It follows the installation of a new backstage lift which will enable the venue to accommodate the kind of sets and equipment required by larger-scale events.
Bridgend County Borough Council is working in partnership with Awen Cultural Trust and a number of key funders on the project which is the biggest investment in arts and cultural in Maesteg in generations.
It is fantastic to see how this £7.9m project is not only ensuring the future of a Grade II-listed building, but is also returning it to its former glory while creating all-new facilities that will make it a true community hub.
With the first phase of the initiative nearing completion, work will soon begin on creating the new glass atrium extension, and every effort is being made to minimise potential inconvenience and disruption.
When the project is finally completed next year, people are going to be amazed at how the historic building has been enhanced with all-new facilities, and I am grateful to our partners who are helping to deliver this.
Councillor Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration
The £7.9m project is being funded by Bridgend County Borough Council, Welsh Government regeneration funding, the Valleys Task Force, the European Regional Development Fund, Awen Cultural Trust, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Maesteg Town Council, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Davies Trust, the Pilgrim Trust, CADW, the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme and its Museums, Archives and Libraries Division
