New home sought for Maesteg Town Hall’s chandeliers

Six chandeliers from Maesteg Town Hall are seeking a new home as part of the re-development works on the historic building.

The brass and glass chandeliers were installed in the main hall during the 1970s and are now being offered to community groups or anyone who could utilise them.

The chandeliers do not form part of the listed building status and are not part of the £8.2m repair, restoration and extension of Maesteg Town Hall. In order to achieve the correct lighting levels in the main hall new, modernised lighting will replace the chandeliers.

Please note, the light fixtures are very delicate, especially the glass bowls and the electrical connections are likely to need new fixings. Anyone wishing to enquire about the chandeliers can email [email protected].

The redevelopment will see the Grade II listed building restored back to its former glory and extended on one side with a new glass atrium, studio theatre and cinema space, a café and mezzanine bar, and a modern library.

Bridgend County Borough Council is working in partnership with Awen Cultural Trust and a number of key funders on the project which is one of the biggest investments in Maesteg in decades.

The redevelopment will see the historic auditorium restored, a new roof and the addition of modern facilities for performers, participants and audiences.

The work is being undertaken by specialist contractors Knox and Wells which have been involved with a range of heritage projects in South Wales such as Cardiff Bay’s Pierhead building.

The modern library will also include informal and formal meeting areas, providing new spaces for people to relax and enjoy a range of activities that tackle social isolation, improve digital literacy and find out more about the history and heritage of the Llynfi Valley.

Accessibility will be greatly improved throughout the venue which will host a full Changing Places toilet facility.

Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, said: “We hope these chandeliers can be taken on by someone who can restore them to their former glory and be proud to own such an important part of Maesteg’s heritage.

“Construction on this much-loved venue is a historic occasion for Maesteg. Much work has been done to get to this stage where an ageing building can be transformed into a beautiful venue fit for generations to come.

“We are looking forward to re-opening it once work is completed next summer, and welcoming back all the community groups which use it.

“It will not just serve Maesteg town as a cultural centre and focal point, but will be a strategic visitor attraction for the whole county and region.”

The project is being funded by Bridgend County Borough Council, Welsh Government regeneration funding, the Valleys Task Force, the European Regional Development Fund, Awen Cultural Trust, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Maesteg Town Council, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Davies Trust.

You can follow the progress of the re-development on the Maesteg town hall website or Facebook page.