Museum and library receive more than £650,000 funding boost

Nation.Cymru staff

Two cultural attractions in Gwynedd are to receive more than £650,000 in Welsh Government funding for major improvements.

The childhood home of former Prime Minister David Lloyd George in Llanystumdwy will receive more than £150,000, while £500,000 has been awarded to transform Caernarfon Library.

The two sites are among 31 museum, library and archive projects across Wales sharing £5.28m through Welsh Government cultural grant schemes.

The funding programme was announced last month and is intended to improve access to cultural facilities, protect collections and modernise buildings.

Other projects receiving funding include Holyhead Maritime Museum on Anglesey, Penmaenmawr Museum, Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, Swansea Museum and the Richard Burton Archives.

Announcing the wider programme in July, Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan said: “Museums, libraries and archives are at the heart of our communities across Wales.

“These are places where people connect with our culture and history, where children discover a love of reading, and where older people share their memories. They are places everyone should feel welcome.

“This investment will make a real difference, protecting vital collections, improving access and ensuring our cultural spaces are fit for the future.”

Lloyd George Museum

The funding for the Lloyd George Museum will be spent on Highgate, the childhood home of the former Liberal prime minister.

More than £150,000 will be used to safeguard and preserve the cottage and its collections and improve the visitor experience.

Cyngor Gwynedd hopes to reopen Highgate as a full part of the attraction in spring 2027.

Ms Fychan said: “The Lloyd George Museum tells the story of one of Wales’s significant figures in British political history, and this funding will help safeguard this asset for future generations.”

The £500,000 awarded to Caernarfon Library will fund a major modernisation of the building.

Plans include a new glass-fronted entrance foyer, an outdoor seating and recreation area and changes to the internal layout to improve accessibility and movement around the library.

A purpose-built area for children and young people will be created alongside a community area with computers, meeting spaces and an accessible kitchen.

The project will also include additional self-service machines, an accessible multi-level service desk and new signage and shelving.

Physical improvements to the building are intended to cut its carbon emissions and running costs.

Ms Fychan said: “The transformation of Caernarfon Library will create a modern, accessible space at the heart of the community, ranging from a welcoming new entrance to dedicated areas for children and young people.

“Continued investment in our museums and libraries is essential to create vibrant spaces that serve people today and for years to come.”

‘Exciting’

Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Economy and Community Cllr Medwyn Hughes said: “I very much welcome this cultural investment by the Welsh Government into both locations.

“The plans are exciting, and this funding will undoubtedly ensure that culture and history are within the grasp of locals and visitors for years to come.

“I look forward to seeing the improvements completed.”

Temporary library provision will be put in place in Caernarfon while the work is carried out.

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