Historic Welsh castle set for major repairs
Anthony Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
Drainage improvements at a historic Welsh castle are expected to be completed in the next few months with roof repairs set to be finished next year.
A range of essential improvement works are taking place at Merthyr Tydfil’s Cyfarthfa Park and Castle, with funding coming from Cadw, Merthyr Tydfil Council, the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics funding, and The Cyfarthfa Foundation.
The council says the drainage improvement and roof repair projects are crucial in protecting the historic fabric of the building, addressing long-term maintenance requirements, and ensuring that Cyfarthfa Castle remains resilient for future generations.
A spokesperson for the council said: “By tackling these issues now, we are taking proactive steps to preserve this iconic landmark and reduce the risk of more significant deterioration in the future.”
Alongside these works, the council says the contractors have provided community opportunities and benefits including apprentices on site, school visits and engagement activities, attendance at a local construction careers fayre and mock interview day and other school, college and community site visits.
Whilst these works are ongoing Cyfarthfa Park and Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery remain open to the public, with the museum displaying the Celebration of Welsh Contemporary Painting 2026 exhibition until August 30.
Further funding from Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics funding has supported improvements in the wider Cyfarthfa Park estate as well.
Within Cyfarthfa Museum and Art Gallery this had included internal improvements to toilets, improvements to the reception area, shop and café, upgrades to the Wi-Fi and CCTV and a new audiovisual cinema display.
Within the park, the funding has led to improved signs and wayfinding across the Cyfarthfa Park grounds.
It has also contributed to a range of new and upgraded infrastructure such as picnic benches and bins.
The council says: “These improvements strengthen the visitor experience, improve accessibility, and ensure that the park continues to be a high-quality destination for local communities and visitors alike.
“Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and the Cyfarthfa Foundation continue to explore a range of funding opportunities, including a recent submission to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Development Fund.
“While the project was not taken forward through this funding round, we remain confident in its future potential.
“The extensive work undertaken throughout the application process has
helped to strengthen and refine the long-term vision for Cyfarthfa Castle and Park, providing valuable insight and momentum for future funding opportunities and investment.
“Importantly, the momentum behind the wider regeneration and improvement programme remains strong.
“Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council will continue to work with The Cyfarthfa Foundation, partners, stakeholders and funding bodies to explore future opportunities that can help deliver the long-term ambitions for Cyfarthfa Castle and Park, as outlined in The Cyfarthfa Plan.
“The Council and the Foundation remain ambitious for Cyfarthfa and will continue to pursue opportunities to secure additional investment and build on the positive momentum already being achieved.
“We look forward to providing further updates as the current programme of works progresses and as future opportunities for investment and enhancement are developed.”
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In the current situation wouldn’t it be sensible to spend money helping to improve the state of the NHS and reducing waiting lists to improve the lives of people who are suffering dreadful pain and NOT on a pile of deteriorating bricks and mortar?
Our heritage is part of who we are, an important part of Welsh culture, and a major driver for tourism to bring money into Wales. We shouldn’t be deciding between NHS funding and preserving our heritage – Wales should get the funding that we deserve so that we can fund both.
I cannot believe that you are prioritising the health of people in favour of a “in your face” building that is a constant reminder of how the lord and master lived in the lap of luxury whilst his workforce probably struggled to live hand to mouth on the pittance that they were paid. Unbelievable!! If your ancestors lived and worked in the area at the time the lucrative ironworks was operating they would have been victims of those hard and dreadful times. But, there you go, everyone is entitled to an opinion.
Then be honest in your argument rather than hijacking the suffering of people in dreadful pain to further your real unrelated agenda.
. . . . and I suspect you have an overactive imagination.
You’re putting words in my mouth. I literally said “We shouldn’t be deciding between NHS funding and preserving our heritage – Wales should get the funding that we deserve so that we can fund both.” At no point did I say we should prioritise it over peoples health. And yes, there are many buildings in Wales that were used by oppressors and to exploit and abuse us regular people – should we knock down most of our castles? Of course not. The answer isn’t to tear them down and hide away that history, the answer is to preserve it and… Read more »
Spend it on teaching Hanes Cymru to the next generation, then maybe we won’t get fooled again…and again eg Bute