Rhymney resident paints over controversial redevelopment plans with a different vision

A Rhymney resident has created an artist’s impression of what they would like a local site of historical significance to look like – in contrast to what is planned by its redevelopers. 

Linc Cymru’s proposed redevelopment on Rhymney Walk of the Buchan building and the wider Whitebread Centre site is set to include homes and a children’s home.

While there are plans to preserve parts of the Buchan building it would ultimately be privately used. 

Now, Rhymney resident Sian Harding has painted an artist’s impression of something quite different – a heritage and wellbeing site that could benefit the residents of Rhymney. 

Nursery nurse Sian, 55, has lived in Rhymney all her life and told Caerphilly Observer: “The site in concern is the heart of what remains of our heritage,” she said, “myself and many others feel it should be preserved and nurtured.”

Sian’s impression comes after a petition circulated around Rhymney calling for support to keep Fit4Living gym in the Buchan building and create a wellbeing centre at the site all in an effort to foster a better vision for the town. 

“It’s not going to benefit Rhymney as a whole,” said Sian about the redevelopment.

Sian would much rather see the site become similar to the Red House in Merthyr or the Winding House in New Tredegar. A place that has lots of functions such as a museum and arts and crafts – somewhere for locals and visitors to come and enjoy. 

Sian, who sees this as an opportunity to regenerate the town, said: “This could bring a whole new perspective to Rhymney.” 

Sian has been painting for around five years after she was encouraged by her son, who has a degree in fine art. She’s always drawn and “there’s always been art in the family”. 

She enjoys painting landscapes and historical buildings and raised money for the local cancer charity Helping Hands in 2020 with a calendar of scenes of Rhymney – some of which ended up on walls as far away as Australia and Canada. 

Sian works from photographs, often taken by her partner, Mark, and said it took just three days to finish the impression of the Buchan building and Whitbread Centre using a technique that is new to her called Ink and Wash. 

Buildings, she says, are often neglected. “Sadly a lot of buildings are left to go,” said Sian, “we don’t appreciate the history of them.”

Sian added that the next steps for the artist’s impression could be to include the artwork as part of the objection to Linc’s plans when the time comes. She also might continue to create more artwork of buildings throughout Rhymney. 

After all, when it comes to buildings as Sian said: “Once they’re lost, they are lost for good.”

This article was updated on August 30 to amend the mistake that the homes on offer would be private.