Lottery funding considered for Llancaiach Fawr £900,000 revamp

The historic Llancaiach Fawr Manor House could be in line for a revamp worth almost £900,000 if a bid to the Lottery Heritage Fund is successful.

Caerphilly County Borough Council wants to spend £872,470 on the building, which is near Nelson, to bring it up to a modern standard for visitors.

A report considered by the council’s executive cabinet earlier this week states that Caerphilly County Borough is now a priority area in terms of Heritage Lottery Funding and would qualify for a 90% grant.

The council would fund the remaining 10%, but the difference of £87,247, but there could be a further grant application of up to £39,000 from Cadw and £35,000 from the Government in the form of a Disability Discrimination Act grant.

The report states: “The Manor, originally built between 1548 and 1565, was restored in the late 1980s. The internal services were appropriate for a museum setting with static exhibits, but not for first person, costumed, live interpretation set in the 17th century, which currently provides a unique visitor experience in Wales.

“It is proposed to provide a more authentic visitor experience through live interpretation in its proper historical context, for which Llancaiach Fawr Manor has a UK wide reputation.

“The modern light fittings and wall heaters, metal spiral staircase fire escape (inserted incongruously through three floors of the building), blocked chimneys and modern tiled, deteriorating roof, detract substantially from the 17th century features.”

The report highlights the need for £300,000 worth of work just to keep the attraction open in the short-term, which includes a new boiler, rewiring and a new roof.

The council also want to open up new areas for the public to view such as the attics and the stewards loft in the porch to create servants quarters.