Plans to redevelop parts of a historic Grade-I listed castle in Wales are set to be discussed later this month. Neath Port Talbot Council has launched a consultation process for ideas on what to do with parts of the 19th-century Margam Castle that are currently empty.
The move comes after the authority was successful in securing a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2021, which was used to fund an options appraisal and feasibility study ahead of future plans to repair and conserve the site. Parts of the castle including the entrance hallway and staircase hall are open to the public but other areas have lay empty for many years.
The grant allowed the council to work with specialists to develop a plan for the castle and its associated buildings, with an initial survey in December of 2022 asking the public to give ideas on what they wanted to see inside Margam Castle receiving more than 500 responses.
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Ideas included an increase in space for events and activities in the castle, the creation of overnight accommodation along with museum and exhibition space, as well as the introduction of an educational facility for schools. Further views will now be requested at an interactive exhibition inside Margam Castle, with displays that will include the ideas already received during the initial survey process.
There will also be what is described as "interesting historical artefacts" on display for visitors in the castle’s library, alongside displays on how the area would have looked in the past. Cllr Jeremy Hurley said: "We are thrilled to have received this funding thanks to National Lottery players. This important investment will allow us to investigate repair and conservation of the castle and also find new uses that will serve the local community, attract new audiences and generate new income streams."
An interactive exhibition will now be held at the well-known building from Wednesday, April 19 to April 26. An online consultation will also be available on Margam Country Park’s website for those who can't attend the castle in person. You can read more of our stories from Neath Port Talbot here or subscribe to our newsletter here.
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