The MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, Gerald Jones, visited Abercwmboi Workmen’s Hall and Institute on Friday 12th September, to learn about the exciting developments happening at the Institute.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is funding an 18-month project to explore how the Grade II listed Hall can be restored and repurposed as a sustainable community hub.
CISWO is working in partnership with the Abercwmboi Workmen’s Hall and Institute on the project and supported the grant application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support an in-depth feasibility study which will look at the building’s architectural features and condition, carry out heritage research, and hold community engagement events to understand what local people want from the redevelopment.
Ryan Parry, Development Manager at CISWO, showed Gerald Jones MP around the Hall and Institute, and shared the plans for the feasibility study, and the long-term vision for the project.
CISWO Chief Executive Nicola Didlock said:
“We are delighted to receive funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out this feasibility study at Abercwmboi Workmen’s Hall and Institute.
“Working with the charity that runs the building, we plan to preserve the building’s architectural and social heritage, while providing a thriving, sustainable, community facility that serves the needs of current residents and future generations.”
Gerald Jones MP said:
“We’re rightly proud of our mining heritage and Abercwmboi Workmen’s Hall and Institute has a special place in history and, I hope, our future.
“I’m pleased that with funds from the National Lottery and support from CISWO, the future of this building could be secured.”