The redevelopment of Bargoed’s Grade II listed Hanbury Chapel into a state-of-the-art library has won another prestigious award.
The Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards named it Project of the Year 2012.
The announcement was made on June 29th at a ceremony with over 400 industry professionals in Swalec Stadium Cardiff. Hanbury Chapel will now go through to the National Constructing Excellence awards taking place in London in November.
The project to redevelop Hanbury Chapel, originally built in 1906, was a joint effort between housing association United Welsh, Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Welsh Government’s Heads of the Valleys Programme.
The new library opened its doors in October 2011 and attracted 17,000 visitors in its first month.
With more than 17,000 visitors in its first month of opening. There was also a 46% increase in book borrowing between October 2011 and March 2012 (figures compared against the old library).
Cllr. Ken James, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The visitor numbers and figures speak for themselves underpinning the major success of this conservation, renovation and refurbishment project. Hanbury Chapel has received a new lease of life, and will continue to be a treasured part of the town centre for many years to come. Congratulations to all the partners involved in this wonderful project.”
Ian Gilbert Chair of United Welsh added: “This building is the result of an extremely successful collaboration between many partners.
“It’s safe to say that converting a chapel built in 1906 into a modern community facility whilst still maintaining the history and character of the building was a challenge. United Welsh and its partners are overjoyed at the reaction of the community, wider public and the sector to the building.
“This award is testament to the hard work of all involved. Hanbury Chapel is further evidence of real partnership working delivering tangible outcomes for the benefit of our communities.”