£200,000 to restore one of Llandeilo’s oldest buildings

The Welsh Government has announced funding to help complete the restoration work of the Shire Hall in Llandeilo.

The Shire Hall is the third oldest building in Llandeilo and dates back to 1803. Over the centuries it has been used as a corn exchange, magistrates’ courts, and more recently as offices for Dyfed Archaeological Trust and Llandeilo Town Council. The transformation will ensure the hall is at the heart of the town’s community.

It will provide a new centre for support services, pop-up units for local businesses, a meeting/consultation room and a tourist destination hub. It will also provide opportunities to increase the use of the Welsh language, which is part of the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 strategy.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford, said: “The pandemic has had an effect on all aspects of Welsh life, and this funding will ensure the Shire Hall can continue to be an essential hub for Llandeilo – as it has been for the last 200 years.

“The hall will have a great impact on the area, creating more than 30 new jobs and further apprenticeship and training opportunities – all  through the medium of Welsh, which will be an integral part of the development of the hall and supports the many of the aims of our Cymraeg 2050 strategy.”

The restoration to the hall is expected to be completed by April 2021.

Minister for Mental Health, Well-being and Welsh Language Eluned Morgan, said: “This announcement provides an opportunity for Menter Dinefwr to complete the necessary work to this iconinc building and ensure it can get up and running as soon as it’s safe to do so.

“Canolfan Hengwrt will be a valuable multi-use hub in Llandeilo, strengthening the local economy, supporting a vibrant community and safeguarding the Welsh language.”

(Lead image: Geograph / Nigel Davies)