A chapel that has stood for more than a century in the heart of Risca has been saved from being demolished.
The chapel, within the grounds of Risca Old Cemetery, was constructed in the late 1880s and its condition had deteriorated – putting at risk of demolition.
Caerphilly County Borough Council wanted to restore the building to its former glory to provide a chapel of rest for residents to use.
Works included removal, replacement and restoration of the bath stone construction, replacement of 75% of the roof structure and major reconstruction of unstable dressed stone parapet walls.
The overall aim of the scheme was to return the chapel to a condition of good repair, which would enable the council to lease the building to local funeral directors.
Cllr David Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services, said: “Risca Chapel is now a beautifully restored facility for residents to use, and shows the council’s dedication to improving community services.”
Expressions of interest were sought and the property is currently in the process of being leased to a local funeral director. Costs incurred during the refurbishment process will be recouped via the lease.
By my arithmetic a building "built in the late 1880's" is now around 125 years old, not two centuries. Good that a new use has been found for this chapel but it reminds me of the probable fate of the first, regulated, school in Caerffili.
This building was opened in 1866 on Park Lane and until recently was owned and run as a community hall by the church. As one of the oldest building still standing in Caerffili and with an important place in the history of the town I tried to get the place listed by CADW several years ago. It now looks as if this building, now owned by the council, will be demolished. Another bit of Caerffili's history gone forever.
Hi Richard,
You are of course correct – I've now amended the copy. Thanks for spotting this.
Richard Gurner
Editor
It's a shame they knocked down the church on pontygwindy road,the site is a right mess at the moment .
Who owns the site? I see Brinsons of Caerphilly are the agents selling the land .
Don't save what is not much use. The church Dave refers to was really nothing. Some things need saving; others don't.