Wrexham’s multi-award winning markets, arts & community venue has been named as one of 40 Welsh arts organisations who will receive a share of the Welsh Government’s £8m Capital Investment Fund, delivered through Arts Council Wales.
The funding has been awarded for organisations to invest immediately in delivering all the economic and social benefits arts and culture provide throughout Wales
Tŷ Pawb will receive £67,500, which will be used to commission a feasibility study on a capital development to enhance the building’s North Arcade entrance area and the adjacent Flexible Space.
Tŷ Pawb is one of three arts organisations in the Wrexham area to be awarded funding as part of the programme, the other two being The Stiwt in Rhos and Avant Cymru, the theatre company responsible for The Lab on Eagles Meadow.
Cllr Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, said: ““We are delighted to be one 40 arts organisations in Wales to be awarded the Welsh Government’s Capital Investment fund, administered through Arts Council Wales. The £67,500 awarded to Tŷ Pawb will allow us to commission a feasibility study on a phase 2 capital development to enhance the North Arcade entrance and the Flexi Space in the market hall.
“The award comes at a very positive time for developments in the market hall and food court. We’ve just recently announced a UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) supported progamme to create a new open, flexible space in the food court area to meet the increasing demand for additional activity space for children and families, pop-up markets, and community group meeting space. The work includes two design commission callouts to design new tables and seating and a ‘play kit’ for children and families.
“This month we’ve launched a new programme of free weekly daytime activities, all of which will take place in the market hall, also funded by SPF, and we’ve very excited to welcome a number of new, local business who will be opening in our market in the next few weeks, plus another popular trader, Stashbusters, who have just expanded into a larger shop this week.”
Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive at the Arts Council of Wales said, “The response from the sector demonstrated the real need for this funding to maintain and develop our important venues and enable creativity and community to flourish the length and breadth of Wales. It is clear there is a need to maintain and improve these important buildings whilst also enhancing the environmental sustainability of these venues.
Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant, said: “This £8 million investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting Wales’ vibrant arts and culture sector. From iconic venues like the Wales Millennium Centre and Pontio Arts Centre, through important regional organisations like Venue Cymru, Canolfan Ucheldre in Holyhead and the Elysium Gallery in Swansea, to community treasures such as the Grand Pavilion Porthcawl, Blackwood Miners Institute and Theatr Mwldan, the 40 organisations who have been awarded funding represent the beating heart of cultural life across every corner of Wales.
“The breadth of projects supported – from major venue redevelopments to digital transformation initiatives – reflects our recognition that the arts sector needs flexible support to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Whether it’s improving accessibility, enhancing environmental sustainability, or embracing new technologies, this investment will help our cultural organisations adapt and thrive whilst maintaining their essential role in Welsh life. I’m particularly pleased to see funding reaching both our major cultural institutions and grassroots organisations, ensuring that the benefits of this investment will be felt by communities right across Wales.”