The Pantyfedwen Pavilion in Pontrhydfendigaid is set to undergo major renovation over the next 2 years thanks to the award of European Objective 1 funding.

This well-known landmark was built to house the Pantyfedwen Eisteddfod but has fallen into serious disrepair in recent years. In spite of fire damage and lack of maintenance funds, it is still the largest indoor events venue in all of Mid and West Wales. Once the Objective 1 funded works have been implemented, it will boast high standard, multi-use facilities allowing diversification well beyond the Eisteddfod. It will be capable of hosting anything from rock concerts to film festivals on a national scale, as well as being an excellent venue for local clubs and associations to hold events. The auditorium comfortably seats 2,500 people, and will be adaptable to a variety of purposes. The facilities will also be available for rent by television production companies.

Cecilia Barton, Chairperson of the Objective 1 Partnership Management Board, stated: “The award is the culmination of years of hard work and attempts to raise funds from a variety of sources. The efforts of many local people, as well as of the Ceredigion Objective 1 Partnership Management Board, have finally been rewarded with support from Europe in the shape of nearly £858,000. This money is being matched by regeneration funds from the Welsh Assembly Government, Ceredigion County Council, and the Welsh Development Agency. The project will turn a deteriorating eyesore into something local people can truly take pride in and enjoy, and which will make Pontrhydfendigaid a centre of national importance for cultural events.”

Cllr Dai Lloyd Evans, Ceredigion County Council Local Member for Lledrod Ward, and Leader of the Council, stated: “This is an extremely important project. The awarding of the grant now becomes a challenge to the local community. It must ensure that the use of the pavilion in future is properly planned and marketed. If this is done there are prospects that it will bring economic benefits to a wide area, as well as the creation of new jobs directly related to the venue.”

A statement from a member of Pafiliwn Pantyfedwen Cyf, the new company responsible for the project, explains that as far as possible the works to the building and grounds will be contracted to local tradespeople, in order to benefit the community as much as possible. “This will truly be a locally owned and managed asset, while providing a top-class events venue reaching out to visitors from the nation and the world.”


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