The Story So Far
2025
Mar
BBC Cymru Wales announces new collection of content celebrating
Merthyr Tydfil. BBC Cymru Wales has partnered with the Merthyr 2025 Steering Group, which includes The Cyfarthfa Foundation, Merthyr Council, Cyfarthfa Castle and Arts Council Wales.
2025
Feb
Merthyr Tydfil Council announces plans to safeguard Cyfarthfa Castle, focussing on ‘phase one’ to preserve and enhance the ‘mansion’ side of the building – where Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery is housed.
Submission of Expression of Interest to National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with the council.
Development of a Signage, Wayfinding and Branding strategy for Cyfarthfa Park.
2025
Jan
Appointment of Jess Mahoney as second Chief Executive.
Architectural and Project Management consultants appointed to define brief for ‘phase one’ of castle project.
Preliminary Ecology Survey commissioned for development of an outdoor tourist attraction in Cyfarthfa Park.
Commencement of Cyfarthfa Castle bicentenary celebrations.
‘Cyfarthfa: Past. Present. Future.’ exhibition opens at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery.
2024
Sep
Introduction of programme of Cyfarthfa Community Forum with local heritage and cultural societies and organisations.
2024
Jul
Announcement from Welsh Government that the National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales project will not proceed due to lack of funding.
2024
May-Nov
Feasibility studies investigating the demand and return on investment for outdoor attractions in Cyfarthfa Park.
Image credit: Barker Langham
2024
Apr
Barker Langham, a leading cultural consultancy, begins work to further define a narrative theme and business case for Cyfarthfa.
Appointment of Brand and Engagement Director.
Image credit: Barker Langham
2024
Jan
Financial benchmarking with comparable museums, galleries and attractions undertaken by consultants, Fourth Street, to test the revenue implications of various business models for development of the castle.
Bicentenary working group established with partners to develop a programme of activity to celebrate Cyfarthfa’s bicentenary in 2025.
2023
Aug
Options Assessment and Economic Impact Study assessing the projects set out in the Cyfarthfa Plan.
Landscape Study undertaken, by landscape architects Grant Associates, to assess the potential of the existing park and development of the wider Cyfarthfa furnaces area.
2023
May
Bid submitted to Welsh Government for Cyfarthfa to be anchor site for National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales.
In September 2022, the Welsh Government received 14 expressions of interest for locations to become the anchor site for the National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales. Five local authority areas: Wrexham, Swansea, Newport. Cardiff, and Merthyr Tydfil were invited to develop their plans further.
This was a significant bid which required months to develop and included input from architects, academics and experts from across the heritage sector. Development of the bid was informed by public consultation.
View the 'Art at Cyfarthfa' document
2023
Mar-Apr
Appointment of staff team including Project Co-ordinator, Community Development Manager and Finance Manager.
Cyfarthfa Park Forum launched, to bring a range of partners together to work collaboratively across Cyfarthfa Park.
2022
Sep
Appointment of first Chief Executive.
2022
Mar
End of Covid restrictions.
2021
Oct
Full board recruited for the Foundation.
2021
Aug
Merthyr Tydfil Archives Study is undertaken - a major study of a wide range or archives in Wales and the UK, to identify source materials that could contribute to displays at Cyfarthfa Castle.
2021
Spring
Public launch of the developed masterplan - The Cyfarthfa Plan
Welsh Government confirms grant of £1.2m for the Cyfarthfa Foundation, to get plans under way and to begin raising the necessary funds.
Photo credit: Gustafson Porter & Bowman
2020
Nov
The Cyfarthfa Foundation is established as a special purpose vehicle to champion the vision for Cyfarthfa. It a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.
2020
Mar
Covid lockdown begins.
2019
Jun
Following the issue of a brief by the Design Commission for Wales, and a competitive tender, Ian Ritchie Architects are chosen to lead a masterplanning exercise for Cyfarthfa. The masterplan sets out ideas for buildings, spaces, movement and land use. The process included extensive consultation with schools, community groups and heritage organisations.
2018
May
A report is published by the Design Commission for Wales, co-authored with Geraint Talfan Davies – the Crucible Report. It recommends development of the castle and estate as a national centre for industrial heritage and as an anchor project in developing the tourist potential of the south Wales valleys. The Council accepts the recommendations unanimously.
2017
Oct
Design charrette - a workshop that brings experts from various disciplines together with members of the community. 60 people meet at Cyfarthfa Castle and, with the help of the Design Commission for Wales and the Welsh School of Architecture, brainstorm ideas for developing Cyfarthfa.