HUNDREDS of people have turned up to see the newly refurbished Maesteg Town Hall which has re-opened to the public this week after almost five years of work.
The event, held in the popular Grade II-listed building on November 20, 2024, saw numerous residents along with local politicians in attendance for a first look at the building described as being the cultural heartbeat of the Llynfi Valley.
It came after much anticipation from locals in recent months as the multi-million-pound redevelopment project was initially set to be completed in 2022. However delays in work and the discovery of dry rot in the building’s foundations meant the deadline of the project was pushed back by more than two years.
It also meant a costly increase to the overall budget of the project which eventually ran close to a total of £10 million, as well as drawing intense scrutiny from opposition councillors and residents.
Speaking at the opening of the revamped venue, the leader of Bridgend Council, Cllr John Spanswick said the building would now serve members of the public well in to the next century.
He said: “It’s absolutely amazing and to sum it up in one word I would just say wow. To come through the entrance in to the main hall, and to see the original features preserved, is absolutely brilliant.
“The work started in 2019 so we’re talking five years with a pandemic in between. We got over that as well as several financial challenges and stuck with it and what an amazing result we now have. It’s an iconic building for both the Llynfi Valley and Bridgend County Borough and I’m proud to be here today.”
Local MP for Aberafan Maesteg, Stephen Kinnock was also in attendance at the opening and said: “It’s breath-taking. The way in which the building has been renovated to keep all the lovely touches from the past blended with such a modern and contemporary feel is absolutely superb.
“I know how long this project has been worked on, and I know it’s been blood sweat and tears and I have to say it’s something that the community can be truly proud of. I think it will be a magnet for people that want to come. ”
The 140-year-old town hall based on Talbot Street Maesteg now includes enhanced features such a new glass atrium, a library and heritage centre along with a studio theatre and cinema space, a café and mezzanine bar, and the refurbished main auditorium.
The building also features paintings from one of Wales’ greatest artists Christopher Williams, after six of his pieces were refurbished ready to be put on public display.
