Former Barclays Bank turned into new creative community space

The former Barclays Bank building, at the Twyn in Caerphilly town, will be reopening its doors to the public again on Friday May 23 under its new guise as a creative community space.

Closed by Barclays in October 2023, the building has now been turned into a new space for use by businesses and community groups by Caerphilly County Borough Council and company Urban Foundry – which dubs itself a “creative regeneration agency”.

It is the latest building to be brought back into use as part of a UK Government funded ‘pop-up’ project which sees refurbished spaces rented out to different groups for short periods.

The first organisation to take up home at the former Barclays – now called Y Banc – is Cynefin Caerffili, the community interest company behind grassroot plans to turn Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall into a creative hub for the arts.

It is holding an open day at Y Banc on Friday between 10am and 4pm. All are welcome to drop-in and find out more about Cynefin Caerffili and its aims.

Ceri Davies, one of its directors, said: “Our aim is to inspire creative self-expression, promote bilingual learning, and create accessible opportunities for people to explore their creativity.

“We’re here to strengthen community identity, celebrate cultural heritage, and offer a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and share ideas – right in the heart of Caerphilly.

“Having access to this space is a real game-changer for us. It means we can be visible and approachable – so when the doors are open, anyone can drop in, see what we’re about, and discover how they can get involved.”

Fellow director Jane Coles added: “Our work began with a shared commitment to support the amazing and dedicated trustees of the Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall – but it quickly became clear that the potential goes far beyond preserving a well-loved and important cultural community building.

“By forming a community-led team, and with support from the Caerphilly 2035 Placemaking Plan, we’re laying the groundwork toward our wider goal of a vibrant cultural hub for the region, rooted in creativity, inclusivity and local identity.”

The council’s deputy leader, Jamie Pritchard, said the local authority opening up unused buildings for community groups and businesses to use brings new opportunities to the high street.

He said: “We want this space to be active and full of ideas”

To stay up to date with upcoming events at Y Banc, or to find out how to get involved, visit www.cynefincaerffili.org or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/cynefincaerffili