Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport Lord Elis-Thomas visits Tredegar House

Community Engagement Officer Philip Wilson introduces the project

Chief Operating Officer Hilary McGrady and Director for Wales Justin Albert welcomed Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas to Tredegar House.

Lord Elis-Thomas came to see progress on the £1 million laundry building restoration following its commencement earlier this year.  

The Grade II listed building will be reimagined as a green community hub for the Duffryn estate thanks to joint funding from the National Trust and a Welsh Government Community Facilities Programme grant.

The 9 month project will see the building stripped and remodelled to house a new accessible training kitchen, training room and social area. Once completed, the old laundry building will provide a space for local organisations to deliver formal and informal training, inspiring learning, opportunities to socialise and promote the well-being of the Duffryn community.

Render and foliage are removed from the external walls
Builders remove old render from the external Laundry walls
Render and foliage are removed from the external walls

The restoration of the laundry building will be followed by the redevelopment of its surrounding allotments and gardens thanks to the Woodland Routes to Wellbeing project funded by the BIG Lottery Fund.

Justin Albert, Director for the National Trust in Wales, said: “It was a great honour to welcome Lord Elis-Thomas to Tredegar House today and to acquaint him with some of the superb work happening at National Trust places across Wales.

 “We are delighted the Welsh Government shares our commitment towards the local community here in Duffryn, and we thank the Government for the important role they are playing in opening up this new space for everyone to enjoy.

 “Following a successful project to repair to roof of the mansion house last year, it is fantastic to see further investment that helps look after the long-term well-being of the Tredegar House estate. We are also delighted to be able to bring a previously derelict and disused building back to life and deliver on our promise to create opportunities for those living on the Duffryn estate.”

Hilary McGrady, Justin Albert and Dafydd Elis-Thomas take a tour of the Laundry
Hilary McGrady, Justin Albert and Dafydd Elis-Thomas
Hilary McGrady, Justin Albert and Dafydd Elis-Thomas take a tour of the Laundry

Lord Elis-Thomas said: “I am proud we have been able to support this venture in an area where culture and tourism play a vital part in the community. The project is a valuable initiative for those neighbouring Tredegar House and it was great to go behind the scenes and witness the team’s progress so far.  

 “I am pleased to establish a positive relationship with the National Trust in Wales and I hope we will work closely together in the future to ensure Wales becomes a leading destination for tourism and culture.” 

5 February 2018