In a previous update, we shared information on the levels of investment that will be needed over time to fully restore and develop Cyfarthfa Castle and Park to a visitor attraction of national and international significance that properly commemorates Merthyr’s rich social, industrial and cultural heritage. As the Foundation undertakes activities to raise these vital capital funds, it is also drawing on other sources of investment to activate smaller programmes of work that help lay the ground for this ambitious development. This includes work to engage and build our links with local community groups and stakeholders, as well as create new products, services and activities that add value to the park in the short term and create incremental positive change.
To this end, we were fortunate to have been awarded over £200,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council in 24/25.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda. It provides local authorities with funding for communities, places, businesses, people and skills. UKSPF specifically funds projects that can deliver objectives including enhancing sense of community, local pride and belonging, which align strongly with the long-term vision for Cyfarthfa. Additionally, decisions on how to allocate the funding are all taken at a local level, meaning that interventions that offer genuine benefit to the local community can be prioritised.
This valuable funding has been integral to the work of the Foundation in championing the development of Cyfarthfa, and has helped to lay the ground for future progress and investment. It has enabled us to deliver the following activities:
- Co-ordinate a Halloween Trail at Cyfarthfa Park, enjoyed by 700+ people over two days.
- Produce the Cyfarthfa: Past, Present and Future exhibition marking Cyfarthfa’s bicentenary. This was in display in the castle during February and March and attracted almost 4000 visitors to learn more about the history and heritage, current condition and exciting future of this fascinating Grade I Listed building. As part of this project we worked with the University of South Wales to undertake a 3D scan of the interior of school side of the building. This means that this area of the castle, which is currently inaccessible to the public, can now be explored virtually. This also enabled the purchase of an interactive digital screen which remains in the museum for visitors to find out more about the Foundation, the museum and the Cyfarthfa 200 programme of events.
- Deliver the ‘Cyfarthfa200’ promotional campaign. Designed to raise awareness of Cyfarthfa Castle’s momentous 200th birthday year, this has included publicity across lamppost banners, transport hubs, buses and trains and other public spaces. This has contributed to increased footfall at the Cyfarthfa site, with preliminary figures showing an increase in attendance to the castle of almost 40% in January to April 2025 vs the same period last year.
- In partnership with Cyfarthfa Museum and Art Gallery and Merthyr’s Roots, deliver an education programme to Year 4 classes across 17 primary schools in Merthyr and engaged with 120 students from The College Merthyr Tydfil.
- Deliver a bicentenary mapping day with Cyfarthfa Museum and Gallery attended by 50+ individuals, and which supported in convening celebratory events and activities to celebrate the bicentenary year and developing new partnerships.
- Support promotion of over 25 community events taking place to celebrate the Cyfarthfa bicentenary between January and March 2025, with museum attendances and event participation of over 8,000 people during this period.
- Work with Merthyr College, seeing students creating and curating an exhibition of artwork inspired by Cyfarthfa’s history.
- Coordinate and deliver 8 Cyfarthfa Park Forum meetings, designed to bring together the various stakeholders and tenants across the park to enable collaboration, shared working and solutions.
- Establish the Cyfarthfa Community Forum to create a channel for feedback, discussion and co-creation of the long-term vision for the Cyfarthfa site and its implementation, and to draw on the passion, commitment and detailed insight and expertise of our wider community stakeholders.
- Undertake 4 feasibility studies to support the development of Cyfarthfa and inform the prioritisation of our plans.
- Offer support to and/or work in partnership with, 13 other non-profit organisations including Gwent Wildlife Trust, Merthyr Tydfil and District Model Engineering Society, and Merthyr’s Roots.
- Create 6 community volunteering opportunities.
- Improve our Foundation website experience, develop new communication channels and improve the quality and transparency of the information we share with the public about Cyfarthfa’s future.
Repainting and repairing of the noticeboards within Cyfarthfa Park increasing visibility of communications and promotional materials across all park events.
The Foundation team and Board are grateful to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and UK Government for this funding which recognises the importance of the Foundation’s activities. These funds have not only helped us to progress the plans for the development of Cyfarthfa Park and the restoration of the castle, but have also enabled us to start making a positive impact now through supporting the community with events, activities and new opportunities to get involved.
Establishing forums, like our park and community forums, undertaking outreach activities and improving our website and communication channels also means we can get more input from the public and other organisations to shape the future of Cyfarthfa, as well as share details on the plans as they progress.
We are fortunate to have also been awarded further SPF funding this year and will continue to use this to support our work championing the development of Cyfarthfa Park and Castle. This will include actively seeking to build new partnerships with stakeholders and community groups who are invested in the long-term future for Cyfarthfa. If you are interested in collaborating with us, or just want to find out more, don’t hesitate to drop me an email on jmahoney@cyfarthfafoundation.wales