Plans have been revealed for a state-of-the-art entertainment venue which will open in August this year in Merthyr Tydfil.
The ambitious project was announced following investment from the Transforming Towns Placemaking scheme in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
The project will see a derelict rugby club in the town centre reopen as Clwb Crown, a 700-person venue which will be the highest capacity venue in the Heads of the Valleys region.
It will consist of a coffee, wine and tapas bar and performance space.
It is part of Merthyr Tydfil’s County Borough Council’s wider masterplan, which aims to transform the town into a tourism capital by 2034.
There are hopes the new venue will make the town the “entertainment capital of the Valleys” and further enhance its offer and create new jobs.
Local entrepreneur Jorge D’ascencao is leading the ambitious project to open the 1,000sqm venue. In 2011, Mr D’ascencao opened the New Crown, a formerly empty pub turned venue for music-lovers and foodies in the town centre.
Mr D’ascencao said: “Our aim is to create the presence of a modern entertainment, music & arts space for the people of Merthyr Tydfil — whether they’re popping in for a morning coffee before work, visiting an art exhibition with a friend or joining us for tapas and live music on a Friday night. It’s all about creating a new social hub for Merthyr Tydfil and bringing people together.”
He added: “We hope that Clwb Crown will further support the grassroots music scene in Merthyr Tydfil, contributing to the talent pipeline by offering a literal stage for new acts as well as jobs and upskilling opportunities for musicians and technical staff alike.”
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transformation and Commercialisation, Cllr Geraint Thomas, said: “Starting life as an RAF Association building in 1978 and later becoming home to the old Merthyr Tydfil Rugby Club, this venue was a hive of activity for decades. So, after years of dereliction we are thrilled to be restoring life back into this wonderful building.”
He added: “Clwb Crown will house a new cultural offer in Merthyr Tydfil — bringing with it a sense of pride for locals and newfound interest for tourists from the wider Valleys, Cardiff and beyond. It’s all part of the council’s overarching vision for the town — which will see us work with strategic partners, local groups, residents and businesses to complement existing assets with high quality properties and services; enhance the town’s already powerful sense of community; and create a local economy which provides opportunities for all to flourish.”
