SOUTH WALES LANDMARK AWARDED LEVELLING UP FUNDS

[ THE GRAND PAVILION in Porthcawl, a much-loved seafront theatre complex in South Wales, has been awarded £18m Levelling Up funding from the UK Government. The award was made as a result of close partnership working by the local council, Bridgend County Borough Council and Awen Cultural Trust – demonstrating that the investment would make a visible positive difference to the local area and support the creative economy of the region.

The funding will be used to enhance and redevelop the Grade Two-listed Art Deco building, which celebrated its 90th anniversary last year. It features a ‘striking’ threestorey octagonal domed theatre and two single-storey loggias fanning out from the dome.

The restoration and improvement works, masterminded by Purcell, include addressing the condition of its concrete structure: it was one of the first Ferrocrete buildings in the UK. The aim is to preserve its unique heritage while also meeting the needs and aspirations of the community for extended and improved arts, culture and heritage services.

The proposed new facilities include new function spaces at the esplanade level, new rooftop function and café spaces offering panoramic sea views across the Bristol Channel and a new studio theatre and ancillary facilities. There will be increased and improved accessibility, including new Changing Places toilet facilities. At street level, new business incubation, workshop and office spaces will be created.

Richard Hughes, chief executive of Awen Cultural Trust, commented: “We have been working with the council on these ambitious plans for the Grand Pavilion since 2016, so I am delighted that we have been successful in securing the funding to bring these to fruition. The redevelopment of the Grand Pavilion represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to safeguard this iconic building for many years to come and ensure it retains its position as a flagship regional arts and cultural venue of choice.

“Having managed the venue for over seven years, we know how much the Grand Pavilion means to local people and groups so we look forward to engaging with them as our plans evolve.”

The project at the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl is one of 11 projects in Wales that won support from the second round of Levelling Up Fund cash. q