Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion building has been granted £18m of funding for re-development, after a successful bid to the UK Government’s Levelling Up programme.
Submitted by Bridgend County Borough Council in partnership with Awen Cultural Trust, the funding will focus on a major re-development for the popular Grade II Listed building based in Porthcawl.
Read More: Plans for Porthcawl Waterfront regeneration move a step closer
The proposed new facilities in the pavilion would include function spaces on the Esplanade level, along with new rooftop function and café spaces. There would also be a new studio theatre, business incubation or workshop spaces to street level, and increased and improved welfare facilities including new changing places facility.
The Levelling Up programme was announced by the UK Government in 2019, and aims to spread opportunity more equally across the UK. It also looks to support cultural investment, such as helping to maintain and regenerate museums, galleries, visitor attractions and other heritage assets.
Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded this significant funding for the re-development of the Grand Pavilion.
"It is fantastic that the building has been earmarked for investment under the Levelling Up fund. It has always been viewed as a cultural asset by the local community and visitors alike. This funding is culmination of many years of planning and partnership working with our colleagues at Awen Cultural Trust.
Council Leader Huw David said: "The Grand Pavilion is a landmark building and we are extremely pleased that the Levelling Up Fund has recognised its importance, not just for residents of Bridgend County Borough, but for visitors from all over Wales and the world. This funding will help to secure the building’s future, and ensure that it remains at the heart of the community."
A total of 11 projects in Wales were allocated over £208 million from round two of the funding pot, with other succesful bids including Cardiff Crossrail, a new engineering campus in Blaenau Gwent, and new cycle routes through Conwy Valley.
Unfortunately, another application submitted Bridgend County Borough Council for the Penprysg Road Bridge development in Pencoed, was unsuccessful. You can read more of our stories from Bridgend here, or subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
Read Next:
Council-run children's care home closed after 'consistent and robust management oversight'
Council could scrap £2m from schools budget resulting in teacher redundancies
Potential review and restructure of community and town councils in Bridgend
Live music venue to open at old fire station and post office in Bridgend
